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Ban 333 (Betty) sent this comment:

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

Each year Mourning Doves begin building their nest in March in my pine tree. This has occurred for the past 4 years.The tree is 20 years old. They build their nest in the center, and I have observed their nest building. When I am raking my garden from leftover winter debris, these birds will walk right next to me and gather broken twigs (from the pine tree) also feathers, even the clear cellophane from my cigarette packs, and dog hairs from my collie after I brush him and leave the hair in the tree for the birds to use. They will build a rounded nest from all of the above.

As for their diet I feed these birds year round. In the spring and summer they prefer thistle seed over regular bird seed. Their favorite is fine cracked corn.