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

Monday, March 11, 2013

Adventures with Mel and Syd

Egg #4’s arrival 10:16am was to some extent a surprise. Although chat was paused the site was being monitored & opened as soon it was notice she was in labor (see video). Welcome Egg #4.
Knowing his family grew by 1 & wanting to impress his sweetie, Mel arrived 7:58pm with treat #1 – a  rabbit. Sydney ate it immediately. Mel delivered a 2nd treat – another rabbit 8:30 but this time she placed it in the pantry.   

Owl landing 9:04 sitting on the palm cam for about 10 minutes 
(see video below).  
Syd went on her FFN 9:12 and several afterwards. She horked a little pellet 4:17am then ate the pantry rabbit finishing it 4:22. The Owl returned landing on the playground 4:59am. It hopped up to porch perch & peeked in. Syd beak snapped saying, “No one messes with mamma” getting the hint  it flew away towards the greenbelt.  Mel arrived 5:01 with treat #3 – another headless rabbit, gave it to Syd & attempted to bond. She told him about the visitor. Mel’s peeved look spoke volumes. He's stood on guard for a few minutes while Syd placed the rabbit in the pantry. Determining all clear, Mel flew off. He will be nearby on sentry duty keeping a close watch on his family.