I ran across this dove shelf plan at LumberJocks blog and am just taken by it. I’ve seen and built a few different styles of nesting shelves, but this one is a cakewalk to build. WayneC. the author and creator of the piece, states that he built the shelf to replace a wire plant shelf (photos of this are on his site so just give him a visit) once he noticed his local mourning doves were attempting to use it to nest in.
Of course I am completely smitten by the wire shelf and went on a mad search for something similar. You would think such a thing would be simple to find but of course I am picky picky picky and want just the right one. So far I have found a similar shelf listed as “shabby chic” which seems to give them the right to charge $49 each for them. No thank you, I think I shall attempt to locate one at my local flea market. Flea markets in my area tend to carry a lot of wrought iron rusties!
Anyhow, I will as well build one of Mr. WayneC’s shelves and thank him for posting this, the photos with the doves in the boxes are quite charming. It’s just too simple and quick of a project to do. However I think I will use a wire mesh, screen bottom in mine. Mourning doves are notoriously mess birds, being pigioens and all.
Be aware that you are not limited to under eaves for such a nest shelf. These can as well be used in evergreen trees by tucking them against the trunk, hidden in the boughs. The tricky part is securing them without harming the tree or tearing it’s bark. Take care when doing this!
