Sometimes wild animals engage in amazing behavior in backyards that wildlife watchers rarely witness.  Here is an excellent example of one such behavior. 

       Mourning doves commonly nest in our backyards.  They build their nests in small trees, shrubs and even on wreaths hanging on our front doors, in hanging baskets, or in an upper corner of the inside of a porch.  Since in Georgia doves can be found nesting somewhere in the state throughout the year, we are provided with ample opportunities to observe the birds’ nesting activities.  In spite of this, most of us have never seen a pair of mourning doves actually building a nest.

Photo credit: Terry W. Johnson

      The female actually constructs the nest.  It is the male’s duty to bring his mate the pine needles, sticks, rootlets, grass and other materials she uses to fashion the nest.  Other species of birds display this division of labor.  What is unusual about the manner in which he performs this task; he literally passes the nesting material to his mate while standing on her back!

If you are like me, you would love to see this behavior.  One reason why backyard wildlife watchers rarely witness it is we just do not devote enough time to watching birds go about their daily lives. 

       Now that you realize that such an odd behavior exists, I am sure you are going to put witnessing it yourself on your bucket list.