Thanks for your comments, Sparkle. It does seem like a long time. Sorry, even though I was right here, when they nested on my patio last year, I don't remember exactly how long it all was. (In retrospect, I should have kept a record of their behavior). Since I was not sure I looked it up on the internet and found vastly different info (from 1-5 weeks). As I recall, my nest here lasted about a total of 6 weeks (About a week between starting the nest till the eggs appeared. Another two weeks of incubation. 2 more weeks between hatching till the young were fully grown and flew away.

Have you looked in the nest recently? They hide hatched squabs for a good week pretty well, at least for the first week. It is only on the last week that they perk their heads out and take a more active role in the world. At that time, the parents leave them alone in the nest for longer periods.

Hve fun, I would keep watching the nest closely, to see when the eggs are hatched.

You captured such a sweet and loving looking photo of this gentle bird.

What a great picture. It's beautiful.

Totally beautiful. You really caught this spot on. Absolutely stunning!

Have to agree with everyone. THis is what life is supposed to be about.

this photo speaks a thousand words :) Z

Alandra couldnt have said it better. This is what life is all about, our Mothers bringing us into the world. Even our fine feathery friends. The photo so vivid. I love it.