ZEBRA DOVES - 8. The final saga

The morning after the chicks fledged, they were still on the same branch of the mempat (Cratoxylum formosum) tree. Later that morning the parent bird and one fledgling flew to the roof of my neighbour's house, leaving the other behind along the common railing. Despite parental persuasion, this fledgling remained there, not even moving when I was close by. I suppose, as with all newly fledged birds, it had yet to sense any danger from humans. After four days they were still nearby and being fed by the parent bird. Then they flew further afield, probably not to be seen again. Will they return and nest nearby? I will have to wait and see...