I kept checking the nest all day, annoying the momma dove. Finally, by 2:30pm I checked for the 4th time and the second egg had hatched. The older of the two squabs was sitting upright next to its sibling.
I have the bird bath moved closer to the front patio, and some seed nearby. This way the mother dove doesn't have to look far for food. According to Google, the squabs will remain quiet until their eyes open in a few days.
I secured the metal shelf with cord, so that it remains upright in strong wind. A towel around the shelf keeps the nest out of sight and helps the bird from stressing out too much.
In two weeks the birds will fledge and that's when they will become easy prey to road runners,coyotes, and javelina. I will do my best to protect them.
The eggs hatched at a good time. The heat will continue now into the summer. I don't have to worry about the birds freezing at night. No storms either for a while, either.
