The Mitchell House Nursery

Jascin N. Leonardo Finger • July 19, 2021

Well, we continue. I have already noted the abundance – many times – of the crops and crops of baby bunnies we produce here at 1 Vestal Street. We also have quite a few bird nests. I like to think these animals appreciate the relative quiet but also that our pollinator native species gardens are really supporting this life.


This year, again, we have a Mourning Dove nesting in the Peleg Mitchell grape arbor at the back of the House. Doves are not known for being the best nest makers. It’s sort of like your 5-year-old decided to help fold the laundry or help make her or his bed. It’s sort of half-done with things partly pulled closed, some tucking, some sheets hanging out, and the pillows just tossed on the bed or the clothing sort of balled up and squished flat to fit in the drawer. That’s what a dove does for a nest. They bring in mainly sticks and sort of toss them (my opinion) to see what’s going to stay put and then they call it done. It’s a nest that has big gaps and you wonder 1. How can she sit on it without making it collapse? and 2. How is that going to hold an egg or two let alone a few baby doves? The other sort of lack of nest ability is in her choice of the grape arbor – its right over a flagstone patio so I live in fear of someone falling out to not a grass hit but a stone hit. Ouch.



This dove decided to toss in a grape leaf or two – never seen that before – but she’s been sitting up there for maybe two weeks – I’m getting a bit nervous – and I still have not heard or seen anything. She could be diligently sitting on babies now – believe it or not they nurse their babies so she has no real need to go anywhere if her partner makes sure he is bringing her some food. I see another dove around occasionally. Let’s hope he is sustaining her!


JNLF

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