All Quiet On The Mango Front

Remember the Spotted Doves who were considering my mango tree as a
possible nesting site? Well, after I got back from my recent trip,
I went to check on them, after first checking on the Common Mormon
caterpillar. The birds were still there, and hadn't yet made a decision!



As I stood under the tree, I realized it wasn't a good time to visit!!
That innocent curiosity was no longer there and the bird was near-
aggressive. I quickly got my shots and moved away. As I did so, its mate
flapped its wings vigorously and flew around the tree. Taking the cue,
the one in the photo, just took off! And they never came back again.
Sigh! I suppose there were other factors which ruffled their feathers,
literally. There are crows in the coconut tree nearby, and an entire brood
of marsh mongoose scurry all across the compound walls and on to my
neighbour's frangipani tree, especially in the mornings and late
afternoons. There's also a neighbourhood cat prowling around at odd times
of the day and night!!. Compounded with all these disturbing sights, me
with the camera,lurking in the shadows, craning my neck for a better
shot, must've been the last straw! I can only hope that when it's time
to breed again, they'll re-consider this spot. Right now they must be
happily nesting in a safer, higher, leafier haven.







The Spotted Dove/Streptopelia chinensis is also known as the Spotted
Turtle Dove and Chinese Dove. It breeds all year round and loves to
forage on the ground--in woodland and cultivated areas. These birds
are seen in most gardens here. Last year, one pair successfully raised
their young in my shed.