The Bluejays vacated their nest on June 3rd . . . June 10th, mama Morning Dove moved in. It seemed she sat FOREVER before we finally got our first glimpse of her babies on Sunday, July 3. There were two, and they were fully feathered.

Although the best view of the nest is from my kitchen window, which is almost eye level with the nest, pictures have not come easily. First, Morning Doves are the same color as the tree bark of my crabapple tree; and second, a small leafy branch hangs in front of the nest. Had I known the nest would be used a second time this season, I would have had Ken cut that branch off!

In trying to record the babies’ debut, I took the screen off my kitchen window . . . opened the window . . . stood with one foot on a chair and a knee on the kitchen sink . . . hung my camera out the window as far as I dared to . . . and took pictures one handed. Well, you may think, what is so hard about that? My kitchen window is about 15 feet off the ground . . . I don’t like heights . . . and one slip and there goes the camera for sure and possibly me!

Nevertheless, I did manage to get a few pictures. (Click on the picture for a closer view.)

It’s been quite interesting watching the babies this week. Mama has coaxed them from the nest out onto the branch, where they sat and flapped their wings.

She even tried calling them to the ground . . . BUT . . . they stayed sitting on the branch and eventually went back into the nest.

This morning, Mama sat in the nest and wouldn’t let the babies back into the nest with her, which I thought was rather funny. But, eventually she relented, got out, and back into the nest they went.

Here's a picture of the entire family . . .

I’m sure it will be today or tomorrow . . . which is what I said yesterday and the day before! . . . and they’ll be out of the nest for good. So we’ve secured the area for their first flight by keeping Sir Oliver, our 15 lb. cat, in the garage!

As I’ve watched the Bluejays and the Morning Doves raise their families outside my kitchen window, I’ve been reminded of how valuable and precious we are to God . . .





“. . . not a single sparrow (Blue Jay or Morning Dove) can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31 NLT