Giving Mourning Doves what they want

Mourning Dove

Many of us like hearing the mournful call of the native Mourning Dove; being lessened in some areas of north Texas by the influx of other birds.

Provide Mourning Doves a nesting site and they may repopulate and reappear the following years too!   Here's how:

Start with a 12-inch (dia.) disc of hardware cloth (like "chicken wire") that's cut straight to the center in one place. Pull the disc edges so it forms a shallow "dish". Tie it with wire so it doesn't lose its dish shape.

Fasten it across the fork of a tree limb in a somewhat hidden place. (They like some privacy!)  The spot needs to be shaded, and about 10 to 15 feet high.


   Again this year, I used the simple, mix-it-yourself fire ant "discourager" that I've used for years.  It's non-poisonous to pets, children, birds, etc., safe and inexpensive. (The  mixture is explained in my March 31 post.)  It costs me about a dime per application.

I poured it on the mound and the ants swarmed everywhere. Ten minutes later I checked and couldn't see a single ant moving around; even when I poked what was left of the mound repeatedly with a stick.