I like big chicks.

[Josh]

Here is part 4 of the series.

I haven't been able to record it yet, but morning feeding occurs at 8:45AM everyday. As a result of this consistent feeding, the chicks are nearly adult size (I cannot believe how fast they grow). They were the size of marbles in their shells not 9 days ago.

Feeding goes like this. Mom lands and sits in the planting pot. Chicks try and peck out her eyes with their beaks until she vomits down their throats. Chicks climb all over each other trying to get the best position for optimal eye pecking. Mom continues to vomit.

I assume that the members of this site who are parents feel a lot of empathy for the mom at this point. I think I did something similar to my parents when I was in high school, I don't quite remember the vomiting part though.

I will be out of town next week, which is sad because I think I might miss them learning to fly. Either way, the nest will stay undisturbed so that they can come back when they want. Maybe someone else will nest there soon.

 

[reefman]

i guess all the birds does this vomit feeding thing.
what are those things on the side of the pot?

 

[Josh]

what are those things on the side of the pot?

That is the end result of all this feeding.

 

[reefman]

o **** yuck

 

[crox99]

Josh

you weren't kidding when you said that they grow fast!!!!:shocked1::shocked1:

 

[KathyC]

They are too cute! Lucky you getting to watch this progression right out your window!

If my kids used that method to tell me they were hungry..they would be really, really thin... In birds, that is the way it works, at least with Mourning Doves.
Did you know that the adult doves can only be utilized to raise the young of other birds that have the same shape beak, or else the whole regurgitating (aka vomiting..lol) thing doesn't work.


btw..love the titles of your posts

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Do the chicks recognize you yet?

 

[Josh]

Do the chicks recognize you yet?

Yes, I think they do. The adult birds certainly know me and allow me to get really close without moving. The chicks seem to be interested in my presence but they don't react at all when I get close.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Yes, I think they do. The adult birds certainly know me and allow me to get really close without moving. The chicks seem to be interested in my presence but they don't react at all when I get close.

Then most likely they will come back to nest next time around including the babies.