Mourning Doves are often mistaken for owls, because of their call “hoo-ah, hoo, hoo, hoo”. They are NOT perfect nest builders. The nest is nearly flat and obviously placed in the crook of branches in shrubs and small trees. It’s had to believe that the eggs and the chicks don’t fall out of the nest, but their parents are extremely attentive and generally remain on or near the nest. The young are fed “pigeon milk” which is partially digested food that is regurgitated into a pouch in the parent’s throats. This “milk” bears a strong chemical resemblance to the milk of wild rabbits. They are can be quite noisy flyers when startled, but in a group, the sounds might serve to confuse to their predators.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.