What does it mean when a mourning dove suddenly is hanging out near my
house? He (she?) first was on the wall on the patio sitting very
calmly. I thought it was injured, but she (he?) flew away. Then the
dove appeared on my patio chair, right next to the window. I was able
to get very close before my son made a noise that made it fly away.

Why would a dove suddenly appear next to me - twice in a day?

Thank you in advance for any insight you can provide.

Hi tanita847,

The symbolism of a dove is virtually universal. The dove is a
universal symbol of peace and innocence. Only you can determine what
the twice sightings mean in your life, however, I did find some clues
for you.

This page speaks to the heart of your question:


Animal Symbolism
http://www.theearthangelconnection.com/Power%20%20Animals.htm
..."When we come across certain animals in our lives it can be an
indication that they are put in our path to give us messages from
Spirit about what it is that we need to focus on in our personal
healing at that moment in time.  Below are some generalities about
different animals and what it means when we have contact with them..."

Below, under Dove, there is this text:

..."DOVE - reminds us how important peace is. The peace symbolized by
Dove is that of the deepest kind. It quiets our worried and troubled
thoughts, and allows us to find renewal in the silence of mind. In
such moments of stillness we are able to appreciate simple blessings. 
It reminds us that no matter what is happening in our lives, there are
always new possibilities open to us..."



Here's some links:

Doves
http://rosella.apana.org.au/~mlb/cranes/symbols.htm#Animal
..."The dove is a universal symbol of peace and innocence. 
In ancient Greek myth it was a bird of Athene which represented the
renewal of life.

In the Bible it was a dove released from the Ark by Noah which
returned with an olive branch to show that the Biblical flood was
over.  Ever since, the dove has symbolised deliverance and God's
forgiveness.

According to legend the devil and witches can turn themselves into any
bird shape except the dove.

In ancient Japan the dove was sacred to Hackiman the god of war, but
it was a dove with a sword which announced the end to war..."


Ancient Dove Symbolism
http://www.snowdoves.com/Symbolism.htm


Symbol of Peace and American Culture
http://www.savethedoves.org/peace.html

Biblical References to Doves
http://www.savethedoves.org/bible.html


Even though this was not a dream, you may gain insight by considering dream symbols

Dream Symbols - Doves
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art13604.asp
..."Doves have been the symbol for peace and love since the days of
the Bible and early Greece. Your dreams about doves can indicate that
you desire or treasure love.

How do the doves figure in your dream? Were they content doves, that
you saw creating a nest? Were they angry doves, being disturbed by a
cat? The way in which the doves were acting represents how you feel
about your love life and its hopes for the future..."


Dream-Land
http://www.dream-land.info/dream_dictionary.php?letter=D
..."	Doves are emblems of peace, love, consent, integration and
fulfilment. Doves also can represent creative works you have
undertaken, things you promised yourself or potential for happiness.
If you have a conflict or dispute with another person, a dove in your
dream heralds that both of you will come to an agreement. If you have
an inner conflict, a dove could represent the host of opportunities
open to you and that your creativeness is no longer blocked..."



I hope these links help you find the significance of your Dove sightings.  


If I can be of any more assistance in regards to Doves, please don't
hesitate to ask via the "request for clarification" feature.


~~Cynthia


Search terms used at Google:
Dove symbolism

The dove may be looking for a safe place to build a nest. Doves often
make nests on window ledges and under the eaves of houses. I once
watched a dove walking around my covered patio. She would look around,
peck gently at things, seem to think for a while, then leave. A few
minutes later, she returned, then left again. This happened for
several hours. The next day when I looked out the window, she had
built a nest in some utility shelving. Doves can seem rather oblivious
to the presence of humans, but sudden moves and unusual sounds usually
startle them.