foreign dove ready for release?

[Mckenzier]

Ok well here is my story, I rescued a dove (they say he about 8 months old] he's much better now ( I have had him for a week ) and I'd like to release him back in the area where I found him but I don't seem to see his kind flying in that area anymore.
The day I saved him there were other doves trying to coach him off the road and I saw the same flock in the area for 3days after ( this is a route to daughters school, so I drive it daily ) now I know longer see them out there. The weather is changing here in Modesto California, so I'm worried.

So do doves fly to different area for winter? Is it ok to release him even though I don't see other doves out there. I have a beautiful backyard with plenty of birds, can I release him here? Will they except him/her?

It's been 7 days now, I know the longer I keep/ feed it will be harder for this bird to adapt back in the wild.

Please someone out there, I need guidance.

Thank you and bless

 

[Veer67]

Do you have a picture of him/her? You could have rescued a domestic dove that escaped from a cage.

 

[Mckenzier]

Oh you think so? The road he was on is a country road not many homes on it I will take a picture of him and post, thank you

 

[Mckenzier]

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[Mckenzier]

Ok there he or she is...very cute.

 

[Veer67]

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She looks like a Mourning Dove to me. http://www.all-birds.com/Mourning-Dove.htm From what I'm reading most Mourning Doves migrate South in the winter, I have seen them at my bird feeder in winter before as well. Have you tried bringing him outside? If not see if he wants to fly away, this link can help as well: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/197344/how-do-i-teach-a-wild-baby-bird-to-survive-on-his-own. I've raised zebra finches but not a lot of wild birds. The most successful story would be the one of my Grackle Birdy who flew away himself one day while outside.

 

[Mckenzier]

I've not taken the bird outside because we own a cat that loves to hang out in the back , but he does fly out of the cage when I change his water and food. I let him fly around the room because I know she needs to fly and stretch her wings. Some family here say I should just keep her, I just want her to be happy,

Thank you for the links, they were very helpful.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I would release it back in the area you picked it up in, and asap.

She is a wild bird, I would not ever suggest keeping her. If she is healthy and capable of flying then she deserves to live as nature intended. Doves mate for life and form very close bonds with their mates. I cannot imagine she will be happy living alone in a cage.

 

[Veer67]

I would release it back in the area you picked it up in, and asap.

She is a wild bird, I would not ever suggest keeping her. If she is healthy and capable of flying then she deserves to live as nature intended. Doves mate for life and form very close bonds with their mates. I cannot imagine she will be happy living alone in a cage.

x2 The wild birds I have had all have the desire to be free. His first winter might be a bit harsh on him but he should toughen up, the Grackle I had came from Kentucky, he should be now somewhere in the wild in CT with a giant flock of Grackles that visits my yard every week. Your dove should be fine outside as long as he knows what to eat and where to drink water, which he will probably learn from watching other wild birds.