SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Buddy and Fluffy Show

This is the the third clutch of eggs in this nest that have not hatched and was clearly beyond its window of viability. Fluffy continued to diligently sit on those eggs while Buddy repeated his role as a dedicated provider.
Last year this cute couple of Barn Owls successfully fostered 2 owlets Greg and Nancy.

With the help of a local rehabber, Fluffy's 5 eggs were removed and two more barn owlets were placed in the box and given the chance to live a free wild barn owl life.

After waiting for dark and for Fluffy to leave the box, the eggs were removed and the box was cleaned, new bedding placed inside, then the two owlets were placed inside the nest box. Fluffy flew back and while sitting there high in the doorway, did a barn owl double take. There on the floor of her nest box were two fuzzy owlets where her eggs had been! After a brief survey of the scene below, Fluffy jumped down to her newly adopted brood and immediately began preening them (appearing to love on them) with great enthusiasm!!
The babies appeared to be in adopted-momma heaven.

We at "Adventures With Mel& Syd" wish only the best for them Robert and Rudy!! Buddy and Fluffy's newest adoptees!
Go take a look and give then your best.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-buddy-and-fluffy-barn-owl-show