Can we save this poor little mourning dove?

Question

A little mounring dove has somehow fallen from it's nest, on to our driveway. mom is covering him as she would if they were in the nest. It looks to be maybe a week or two old. Is there anything we can do?

Answer 1

put it in a cage bye the nest the mother bird should try to get i had esperies

Answer 2

Mourning doves don't build nests in trees, they pile up a tiny bit of stuff that looks like it fell out of a tree.  It's really junky looking; you'd never guess it was a nest.  The baby bird is probably right where it should be.

Answer 3

can you reach the nest? use a rag/towl to pick it up so you dont get human smell on it then put it back in. good luck with mama bird!  

Answer 4

Momma bird will care for this little fellow as long as she can locate it.  Since it fell onto your driveway, the nest is near.  Don't worry about your scent on the baby - that whole thing about birds smelling us and abandoning their babies/nests is false, an old wives' tale.  Most small "backyard birds" have a poorly developed sense of smell, if they can smell at all.  

You can first put the baby in a box or container of some sort and then leave it be for a little while to let the momma bird adjust to seeing the baby in it.  Then, move the box a few feet at a time (about every half hour to hour) until it is off your driveway.  Once it is off the concrete, move it (the same way, slowly over time) to a safer location, in the shade of a tree.  Finally, begin moving the box up by first placing it on a secure stack of something or a small stool.  Eventually, you'll be able to leave it on a chair or stool, or even situated in the tree.  So long as your individual moves are small and mom is able to follow along, each step of the way, everything will be fine.  The baby will "fledge" out of the box when it is time (he'll get big enough and strong enough and eventually leave "the nest").

Just make sure roaming cats can't get to where you finally leave the box/container, and make sure it is secure (won't blow over with wind).

Good luck.

Answer 5

If the bird is fully feathered, it is most likely a fledgling and has left the nest on it's own and it's parents are caring for it. It is normal for birds to leave the nest before they can fly. You need to replace it where you found it..preferably in a scrub or tree so it is relatively safe from predators, and the parents should come back to feed it. If it is unfeathered...then look for a nest and if you can find it...replace it into the nest.  Do not worry about your scent being on the chick..birds have a very poorly developed sense of smell and will NOT reject a baby that has been touched. If you cannot find a nest, get the bird to a local wildlife rehab for it's best chance of survival. If you cannot reach the nest..you can make a "nest" using a basket or pail with handle and adding grass and twigs for warmth. Tie it up as close as possible to the original nest location.  Watch from afar to see if adults are tending to the baby..keep your distance as you will be considered a predator and the parents will not come to feed if they see you.  Also, keep in mind, it is illegal for you to try and raise this bird on your own. Look for a rehab here:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact....