u/christopher966

Hi, I’m looking for advice about a baby mourning dove.

There was a nest at my home with two babies. Yesterday I found one on the ground, and it appears to be a late-stage nestling (not fully a fledgling). I put it back in the nest and watched it overnight, but this morning I found it on the ground again before I called a rehab center for advice (I described the situation and they said to leave it be, ofc they didn't have pictures so I don't think they understood what I was describing. So I left him be but as I got a better look at his neck this morning it seems pretty rough and I'm thinking I should turn him in despite what they said..

I’ve seen adult doves nearby but can’t confirm if they are the parents or still caring for it.

Should I keep returning it to the nest and monitor, or bring it in for rehab as soon as possible?

Hi everyone, I need some urgent advice.

There was a mourning dove nest in my back shower area with two babies in it. Today I noticed the nest was empty, but I only found one of the nestlings on the ground.

At first I thought it might be a fledgling, but after looking into it more, it seems more like an older nestling that may have fallen or been pushed out early. By the time I found it, all the local wildlife rehab centers were closed, so I can’t get professional help until tomorrow at the earliest.

I believe I’ve seen adult mourning doves around the area, but there are a lot in my neighborhood so it’s hard to know if they’re actually the parents.

I found the nest and placed it back where it was originally, and I gently put the baby back inside. I also noticed something on the back of its neck (not sure if it’s an injury or something else).

My question is: should I leave everything as-is and watch to see if the parents return and care for it, or should I take it to a rehab center first thing tomorrow regardless?

I really care about wildlife and just want to do whatever gives it the best chance of survival. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.