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

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Adventures with Mel and Syd

Owlz Owlz everywhere!!
It was a very very active night both visually & vocally. It started early with a flyby 5:46p. Mel arrived 6:26pm, entered the Kastle, began deeting 7:00 then went to sleep.



Sensing Sydney’s presence, Mel deeted & beak snapped 8:51-8:55.
She possibly landed on pg 9:03.


He stepped outside 9:18 beak snapping till 9:28 then flew off 9:47. After mid-night the vocalization picked up, countless screeches, cute noises & beak snapping heard including sounds of branches rustling 2:12a. Possible landings on pg 2:19 & Palm cam 2:22. More screeches heard prior to Mel’s return 2:51.
While Mel relaxed in the Kastle, Syd’s close screeches heard calling for him to come out. He answered her twice with cute chitters 3:50 & 3:57.

 She continued to screech till she landed on rooftop 4:02, took off 4:03 but seemed to land on the pg.

He moved closer to the door to see his sweetheart 4:04.
They continued to answer one another with screeches (Syd) & chitters (Mel). Syd again landed on the rooftop 5:02, Mel stepped back making room for her to come in but she doesn't.  She hopped down to the upper perch 5:10 at the same time Mel came to the front. She moved to the door where she and Mel exchanged loving glances & precious chitters. Syd flew off 5:14, Mel stepped out shortly after. He stayed on the porch till 4:18 before joining her.
Several screeches near and far heard since, but the Kastle remains empty once again for the day