Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Someone left some birdseed along the shore of one of the retention ponds at Willow Waterhole, in Houston, TX, USA. A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) takes advantage of the situation, but so do some Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus). I thought it was interesting that the Dove seemed to have no fear of the Rats, and in fact, the Rats actually seemed to steer clear of the Dove when it came near.
I wonder if whoever left the birdseed intended to feed the Rats?
Someone left some birdseed along the shore of one of the retention ponds at Willow Waterhole, in Houston, TX, USA. A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) takes advantage of the situation, but so do some Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus). I thought it was interesting that the Dove seemed to have no fear of the Rats, and in fact, the Rats actually seemed to steer clear of the Dove when it came near.
I wonder if whoever left the birdseed intended to feed the Rats?
