Bill Dunson, born in rural Georgia, skipped 12th grade and went directly to Yale. Bill subsequent-ly received a PhD in Zoology from the University of Michigan, studying softshell turtles. Bill is Professor Emeritus of Pennsylvania State University thanks to a career spent entirely at that institution, teaching and doing research on the physio-logical ecology and ecotoxiciology of reptiles, amphibians and fish. Always curious about nature, Bill has dedicated his life to learning and sharing his knowledge with others. He has served on many advisory boards here in Southwest Florida to preserve the water that gives life to our region.

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Mid-October Mourning Dove Nest

I was astonished today to find an active mourning dove nest, with two nearly fledged nestlings, on our farm. A female flushed and did the broken wing act, which at first I was at a loss to explain. I thought maybe the bird was sick or demented, but then I noticed the nest from which she had flushed.

Has anyone else had experience with such late-occurring nesting in doves?

It might make some sense that doves, as primarily seed eaters, might tend to have a prolonged nesting period. I assume that, as in pigeons, they at first feed their young on a crop secretion or "milk," followed by mostly plant material regurgitated by the adults. This would make it even more feasible to continue nesting long after most insect-eating species have migrated. It also explains in part why there are so many doves!

Bill Dunson
Galax, VA