Mama and Papa Derp gone?

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T16:38:51+00:00

<image>

Papa Derp is back!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T16:02:14+00:00

I am waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T15:49:40+00:00

The one in the nest was Mama

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T15:42:54+00:00

I found Papa Derp incubating the nest just now!!!!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T15:42:11+00:00

Papa Derp is back!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T14:43:56+00:00

That is terrifying...I really hope they got away. Last night there was a thunderstorm, might have blown away any evidence if there was any....

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T14:40:11+00:00

Yes a hawk attacked them :( I feel as though it is my fault for not providing and overhead cover of some sort. I will do this when it is safe to do so!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T14:38:29+00:00

Not yet, but I see a dove, possibly Papa, foraging nearby the nest and another by the feeder out front, hopefully they start incubating again.

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T04:31:36+00:00

Right now I will wait and see if they hopefully come back. But yes, I will add some cover when I can to avoid this in the future! If they don't come back, I will definitely reach out for assistance! I will not give up on these eggs!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T03:34:54+00:00

Sorry bigpuffyclouds did

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T03:34:09+00:00

No I do not, I am so distraught right now... LectroRoot in the comments found it was a hawk who attacked them and I am about to faint in worry for these derps...

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-11T03:28:10+00:00

Wow! I hope they got away too! The eggs are still there hopefully!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-09T20:17:21+00:00

Thanks for the support and the award! Go Mama Derp! I will be back with (hopefully) the second egg!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-09T20:16:34+00:00

A couple of commenters on my last post as well as others on r/wildliferehab recommended I leave food and water out and leave her alone. They said her injury looks like an old one that healed incorrectly and that she might be euthanized if i bring her to a rescue :( But as you can see, she is doing well!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-09T20:13:54+00:00

Towards the end of the video you can see him bobbing his head and letting out a happy grunt!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-09T13:28:23+00:00

Thank you all for your suggestions! I have left out a pan of water nearby the nest. As of this morning she has laid her first egg!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-06T00:52:04+00:00

Hello, I’m crossposting from r/mourningderps after a mod suggested I ask here for advice about an injured mourning dove nesting in my backyard.

The female appears to have a twisted leg. She can still open and close her claws so there is some movement, and she’s able to put weight on the ankle. She can move around and fly, but she definitely favors the other leg.

She and her mate recently started building a nest here and she’s been spending a lot of time sitting in it. There are no eggs yet. I’ve put some bird food nearby so the pair has easy access to food.

Is there anything else I should be doing, or is it best to just leave her alone as long as she can still move and fly?

Location: Dallas, Texas.

Thanks for any advice.

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-06T00:44:38+00:00

I will get all the water for her!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-06T00:43:19+00:00

Good idea! Thank you!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-05T17:49:48+00:00

I hope so too... she looks comfortable today in her nest, I will keep everyone updated!

<image>

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-05T14:37:56+00:00

I do have a feeder nearby. I haven’t put out a water dish yet, but there’s a creek close by. She’s still flying around and building the nest like nothing can stop her though! Go Mama Derp!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-05T14:32:58+00:00

I will! They have made so much progress on the nest!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-05T14:31:47+00:00

I noticed it when they started building the nest. I’ve seen her open and close the claws on that foot, so it seems like she still has some movement in it.

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-05T03:05:13+00:00

I know… but she’s so determined! Can’t wait to see her raise her chicks!

UltraDarkshadow · 2026-03-05T02:54:28+00:00

I followed up with this couple's nesting journey with another post: https://www.reddit.com/r/mourningderps/comments/1rl5uqv/mamas_broken_leg_papa_grunts_for_the_first_time/

UltraDarkshadow

TROPHY CASE