Mourning Doves are a common sight in residential areas, and their presence is often accompanied by an incredibly fragile nest structure. Because their nests are typically flimsy collections of twigs, offering a nesting platform or basket can significantly increase nesting success, especially in suburban settings. This simple support structure provides stability, protecting eggs and young from being dislodged by wind or rain. However, the success of this effort relies entirely on the proper choice of location and mounting.
Ideal Height and Mounting Structures
For best results, a dove nesting platform should be secured within a specific vertical range. Placing the base of the platform between 6 and 10 feet above the ground aligns with the natural nesting height preferences observed for Mourning Doves. This height range is generally high enough to deter many ground-based predators while remaining accessible for mounting and maintenance.
The mounting surface must prioritize stability, as any swaying or movement can cause the doves to abandon the site. Ideal locations include the inside corner of a building eave, beneath a porch overhang, or securely fastened to a sturdy pole or tree trunk. If using a tree, wire the platform into a horizontal crotch of a limb, ensuring the nest minimizes wind disturbance. Mounting the platform with the top edge no more than an inch from the overhead eave can also help deter smaller birds from roosting on top.
Essential Environmental Considerations
Doves instinctively seek sheltered spots, which is why a narrow angle of view—like an inside corner of a structure—is often preferred. This placement provides a feeling of enclosure and protection from the elements, reducing exposure to wind and heavy rain. The site must also offer a clear, unobstructed flight path extending at least 10 to 20 yards from the nest.
The platform’s orientation should primarily shield the occupants from the harsh afternoon sun and prevailing winds, which often means facing the opening toward the North or East. Direct, intense sunlight can quickly overheat the shallow nest, so selecting a location that receives ample shade during the hottest part of the day is necessary. While proximity to resources like bird feeders is convenient, avoid mounting the box directly above or adjacent to high-traffic feeding areas, as the constant activity can attract avian predators like hawks.
Maximizing Nesting Safety
After addressing height and environmental factors, the focus must shift to mitigating predation, which is a major factor in nesting failure. The most effective strategy involves installing physical barriers to prevent climbing mammals from reaching the nest site. A stovepipe or conical metal baffle should be installed on any pole supporting the nesting platform.
This baffle must be positioned at least four feet above the ground and designed to wobble slightly, which makes it virtually impossible for raccoons, squirrels, and snakes to climb past. If the platform is mounted on a tree, ensure that the structure is not within easy jumping distance of fences, roofs, or low-hanging branches that could provide a predator with a launch point. Managing household pets is also important; keeping cats indoors and dogs leashed during the active nesting season will eliminate a common source of disturbance and danger.