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, March 12, 2013

Adventures with Mel and Syd

Sydney went on her FFN 7:33-7:38pm. An owl landed on the far end of the playground 8:03. We presumed it was  the exasperating 3rd owl for Sydney never made a sound. He flew off 8:11 but remained in the area.

 He was spotted 8:19-8:20 in Syd’s favorite tree, 8:25-826 on the playground & 8:40ish trying to get into the box. Sydney stood at the door. She wouldn't let him in beak snapping him away. (This cycle repeated at least 3 times: tree to playground to box 8:19ish-9:15) Deets heard 12:02am. Sydney stepped out 1:37.
Sydney rushes to the door to kick the 3rd owl out

According to Kanga two owls were playing. Sydney returned back to her eggs 1:40. Sensing Mel’s presence, she started to deet 5:40. Mel arrived empty taloned 5:48 but wet. Maybe he took a dip in the koi pond. They bonded. Viewers were treated to a beautiful preening & kissyface session.

Awww love in still in the air, well in this case the Kastle. Mel spends the day with his family.

Is four eggs the end of Sydney's clutch or will we see her lay a fifth egg today?
Stay tuned...