The Observation Deck

For the past month or so I have been watching "Frozen Planet" or Planet this or that, last
night the Mourning Doves left their nest as fledglings. Because of photographing them
for almost a month as they grew up to this point, it was very easy to sit down with them
and enjoy their first flights, and the last time I would see them.




Deb taking a photo with her iphone. Most of these images were shot about 1' away
and it is funny, that when I sat down with them on the porch, after they left the nest
they were nervous until the camera flashed, then they seem to know, it was the flashing
guy who would not hurt them.


Deb's iphone photo.


Fred and Ed spent time stretching and checking out their wings.


However the story is not a completely happy one, as the neighborhood Cooper's Hawk
was keeping a close eye on the bushes for fledglings not able to fly.


But they kept up, even with the big bad hawk.


But after the sunset, and after one last visit together they finally took off in different directions.

If you want a nice break, check out my photoblog with 49 images of the experience.
http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/planet-lakewood

With the doves leaving, front porch season opens tonight!

.

LOVED following this story.

(ah, the dreaded Cooper's Hawk ... the pit bull of the avian community!)

Jim O'Bryan wrote:For the past month or so I have been watching "Frozen Planet" or Planet this or that, last
night the Mourning Doves left their nest as fledglings. Because of photographing them
for almost a month as they grew up to this point, it was very easy to sit down with them
and enjoy their first flights, and the last time I would see them. .

So does the whole family move on now? They're not going to hang around? Have you seen them today?
(Beautiful pictures/story-- how great to have this unfold on your porch.)

Betsy Voinovich

Betsy Voinovich wrote:So does the whole family move on now? They're not going to hang around? Have you seen them today?
(Beautiful pictures/story-- how great to have this unfold on your porch.)

Betsy Voinovich

Betsy

I am not sure how this works but as I walked out of the front door this morning I heard a familiar cooing.



And sure enough in the branch next to the porch was Fred and Mom!


So maybe the story is not over!


.

Fred and Ed back together because of the rain, Mom left before I got the camera.


.

One of the most asked questions I get daily is, "What happened with Fred and Ed?"

Well here they are as of today.


Mom is around them too, but is hard to catch on film with them. Fred and Ed would
appear to be real hams, as they love posing for the camera.

.