This weekend, we had a sudden dose of summer after an abnormally cool spring. The temperature jumped into the low 90s. So, naturally, I kicked into high gear where plants are concerned. So when my husband suggested getting the annual plants a weekend earlier than usual, I was set.
We ended up with six flats of various types of plants, and carefully unloaded them. My plan was to have them carried out to the area behind the house, inside the pool fence. I have all my empty pots lined up and waiting there. We also have an old decrepit picnic table that serves as a perfect potting table.
Just as we began carrying flats into the pool area, a startled bird flew past us. I didn't think much of it, until I saw it.
A nest.
In one of my waiting pots.
Oh, dear--the mourning doves are procreating again.
So, I quickly abandoned my planting location, and moved it to the other side of the house. Mama (or Papa) Dove soon returned, and resumed nesting. As soon as the chicks hatch and fledge, I will make sure the pot is moved. The nest is nothing to speak of at all--just a smattering of twigs placed on top of the soil in the pot. Sorry, doves, no more using empty pots as nests.
Thanks to Robert Burns for the post title--somehow the title seems most apt in that Burns wrote his poem that contain that line upon having plowed up a mouse's nest. He rues having disturbed her nest--"I'm truly sorry man's dominion,/ Has broken nature's social union" and he then concludes:
But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane,
In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men
Gang aft agley,
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,
For promis'd joy!
Nature intrudes into human designs time and again. So, for today--I did just a bit of planting. I leave the nesting mourning dove undisturbed. And contemplate Robert Burns' wisdom--"The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men/Gang aft agley." Ain't it the truth.
9 comments:
ohmigosh, isn't that cute?
My brother had a mourning dove build a nest in a hanging planter on his patio a few years ago too.
How neat! My only similar experience was a barn swallow that nested in a corner of our porch. Pretty messy though. Also enjoyed the spam (Hormel type). Its my favortie substitute for bacon on camping trips. No cooler required. They also have a spam museum in Austin Minn. which, believe it or not, it very well done and historically interesting.
My own knees were hurting at the thought of planting six flats of flowers...lol! How funny that she chose your pot to nest in! Those doves are so funny. Certainly opportunists. :c)
Nature does indeed intrude into human designs, just as human designs intrude into nature.
Good luck on getting all those plants into the ground!
I think it's neat when something like that happens, even if you don't want it to happen again. Happy planting (if you're not all done).
Isn't this amazing...I just posted a very similar situation. Your whole place will be ablaze with color soon. Lovely.
That's just the sweetest picture. I've never seen a bird use a garden pot!
Even if it's just a MODO, it's still so sweet! She was so trusting, to lay her eggs right there. I love her little facial expression!
P.S.--sorry I haven't commented in so long; my old computer was so damaged that I couldn't comment unless the window came up as its own pop-up. But I'm trusting this new machine to take my comment! Wish me luck as I click!
That is so sweet. I love this post, thank you.
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