March 11, 2004
Mourning Dove on a Nest near Little Fresh Pond

Mourning Doves are native North and Central American birds that can be found year-round at Fresh Pond Reservation. They have high reproductive rates, often raising 3 or more broods in one season. The female lays two white eggs in a flimsy nest of sticks and twigs. She usually incubates the eggs at night, while the male incubates them during the day. The eggs hatch in about 14 to16 days, and the young fledge 12 to 14 days later. After a few more days of parental care, the young are on their own.