What is the word?

[Orrex]

So a mourning dove has kept a nest atop one of the brick pillars of our semi-enclosed front porch. The nest is on the side facing out, and mostly we don't bother her and she doesn't bother us, other than her habit of shitting all over my car.

Early this afternoon we discovered that one of the fledglings has found its way onto the inside window ledge of the porch. It would have been quite a drop onto our driveway and/or the concrete steps, but somehow the little thing managed it.

I'm down with the whole "leave them alone" thing, but the bird hasn't moved more than about 18 inches all afternoon. It just sits there looking around.

If that's where it wants to hang out, I'm fine with it, but I'm also 100% confident that a cat will find it during the night.


Recommendations?

[arcane1]

1. If it helps, I read that the "mama bird can smell human" thing is a myth

So if true, it should be OK to put them back in the nest.

[Orrex]

4. I might go that route

The nest is kind of high, but I have a ladder that'll reach.

Also, I just spotted the mother feeding it, so it appears that she knows where it is, at least!

[noamnety]

2. When our robins hatched on our window sill

they spent a good couple days out of their nest walking back and forth on the tiny 2nd story ledge, like little tight rope walkers. We were sure they would topple off to their deaths, but they worked it out.

[Orrex]

3. He or she has plenty of room to move back and forth, but...

he or she will be easily accessible to predators overnight. And not the cool ones with dreadlocks and camo-suits.

[cyberswede]

5. I'd put it back in the nest.

In a just world, you would then be rewarded with less shit on your car, but I don't think animals work that way.

[LaurenG]

6. Put him back

please.

[Orrex]

7. I work with a woman who's an obsessive birder

She encouraged me to try to re-nest the critter. Failing that, I should put him in a box or basket in a branch where the mother can see and/or hear it.

Guess I'm heading up the ladder...

[LaurenG]

8. So how did it go?

Did you get him in the nest?

[Orrex]

9. Funny story

When I reached for it, it flipped my off, laughed and flew across the street.

It reappeared on our porch for awhile today, but it flew away again. I suppose it'll be okay...

[BlancheSplanchnik]

10. flipped you off?

Which feather is the middle one?

[LaurenG]

11. It flies?

Little bird is a trickster. Hahaha

[Orrex]

12. Exactly!

Waited until I was ready to shoo it into a box for placement within view of the mama, and it took off at speed.

Good riddance, you little stinker!