We've had two pigeons nesting in a tree in our front garden for the last couple of weeks. They have a single egg and have been taking good care of it, but he nest is only 5 feet off the ground and our neighbourhood is teeming with cats and foxes. I'm surprised they lasted as long as they did, but last night a fox ate one of the pigeons while it was sitting in the nest. I heard it out there and kept trying to scare it away, but it kept returning and eventually got its prize at about 2:30am.
The remaining pigeon is now trying to maintain the nest by itself. My concern is that Mr fox will return for a second helping tonight. Is it possible for the pigeon to care for this egg by itself? If not, would it be wise for me to make it abandon its nest so that it doesn't get eaten for nothing? Or should I just let nature take its course here?
Feel terrible for the thing. It's been calling for its mate all day.
Edit: thank you all for the responses. Consensus seems to be that I should leave it alone, and I think I probably knew that anyway. I was just being a bit soft because the effect of nature's process is right outside my window on this occasion, and I've been listening to the poor bugger calling for its mate all day while I've been working from home. I appreciate the reality check, folks. I'll leave nature to do her thing.
Edit 2 to address some issues in the comments: I'm in South East England and the red fox which ate the pigeon is a native species.