Collared Doves at front door

Sunny2 · #1 (**permalink**) 17-03-2011, 05:46 PM

Hi, I'm new to this but I was hoping someone might be able to help. I have a pair of doves who are insistant about building their nest under my front door porch on a ledge that is about 2 to 3 inches ( sorry it must be my age) wide. Although I initially removed the twigs - most land on the floor in front of the front door anyway due to narrowness of ledge - after a week the lovely pair are still bringing them. I have to say that Hubby isn't keen on them being their but I almost feel inclinded to help them as they have been so industious, they obviously want to be there.
Please help with suggestions. should I get rid of them if so how?
Should I keep them and would they move to a different site in my very , very small garden?

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 17-03-2011, 05:55 PM

Bless 'em! They may be young birds, but not much good at choosing a safe base. They will give up in time, but keep the dustpan handy. I had a pair last year tried to build in a Y-shaped crook branch with the same result. Quite q pile of twigs under the tree which magpies took.
If you want to keep them I suppose you could put some crosspieces of wood to support their nest, but there's no guarantee they'll stay.

thunder · #3 (**permalink**) 17-03-2011, 06:15 PM

I think putting up some sort of larger support for the nest is the best idea. It might put them off, but if you don't do it, you are going to be sweeping up twigs and bits and pieces until the birds get tired. And you might have to sweep up smashed eggs as well

henrya