I’ve been housecleaning today. Not my house, but the small, plastic birdhouse outside our bedroom window. Its owners abandoned it last week shortly after the newest fledgling took wing.
Last year, our resident mourning doves generated much drama. My husband and I emotionally invested in their well-being to a ridiculous extent. Over the winter months, I had in mind to clean out the birdhouse but like so many industrious plans, thought never turned into action.
Late this spring, the couple (or one who looked much like them so we assumed they were the same one) returned. I admit to being embarrassed for Mrs. Dove as her abode looked rather slovenly to me. And after hanging out for a week or so, we noticed that the nest was deserted. Still, I neglectfully didn’t undertake renovations.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when we noticed the pair of birds had returned. Since we were away for many days last month, we missed out on most of the excitement, but last week we saw a young bird flexing his wings and looking large enough to move on. The nest has been empty the past few days.
And so, I am cleaning.
Will the dove pair come looking for the feeder next year and be disappointed to have to start over from scratch? Do they have an attachment to the nest they already created even if it was looking ratty? Am I interfering with nature in a harmful way?
More to the point, am I so overwhelmed by world events that I am exerting control over a minute part of the world that is in my control? Am I anthropomorphizing and trying to understand the mind of mourning doves because I cannot understand what is in the minds of so many of my fellow human beings? Am I trying to have things ready for two birds to make a nicer home because I worry that building a safe and tranquil home is becoming a doubtful dream for those growing up today?
Perhaps.
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