Spring is a great time to attract doves to your garden, and offering the right food can make a significant difference. According to Maria Kincaid, an ornithology research specialist at FeatherSnap, doves enjoy a variety of seeds, particularly millet, canary seed, and sunflower hearts. These birds are granivores and prefer to feed on the ground, so it's recommended to sprinkle small amounts of food to ensure it's consumed before it spoils. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) emphasizes the importance of careful feeding practices to prevent the spread of diseases like trichomonosis, which can be fatal to birds. This disease primarily affects finches, pigeons, and doves, causing lethargy and difficulty swallowing. To minimize risks, the RSPB suggests avoiding flat feeder tables and limiting the feeding of peanuts and seeds during the warmer months, specifically from May to October. Instead, modest quantities of mealworms and suet can be offered throughout the year, ensuring a safe feeding environment for your feathered friends.