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 4, 2013

Adventures with Mel and Syd

Mel & Sydney welcomed their 1st egg at 6:49 yesterday morning and we continue to be on egg watch for the next week or so. Be sure to join us tomorrow to see when Sydney will lay her second egg.

In the afternoon, Mel snags the largest rabbit from the pantry as Sydney looked on, taking him about 30 minutes to get the whole thing down.


Grabing the stale bunny that had been in the box for two days, Syd left the box. Mel’s look was precious. He didn’t understand why she would leave with the treat. Maybe it was because you ate the big rabbit earlier in the day? LOL
Syd returned to the roof  with same rabbit. Realizing Mel left, she took off returning again but this time empty taloned. The question remains if she had the time to eat it or did she trash or stash.


The 3rd owl arrived 9:26pm but in the process of bonding Mel materialized out of nowhere landing on the porch interrupting the 3rd owl scaring it off. (see video below) Syd flew to her favorite branch and Mel returned went into the box dancing & deeting, calling his lady to join him. She did 10:38 & they bonded.


 Mel left for a flyabout 11:26. Sydney left at 12:56am returning 12:59.

Syd stepped out to the porch 1:19am. The 3rd owl landed on the roof. They both looked around then took off.
After a brief time Syd returned to her egg then once again went out to the porch then to the playground.  This went on and on most of the night with Sydney getting on and off her egg and the mystery third owl showing up.

Prior to Mel's arrival with treat (rat) at 4:27, the boom cam shook. He handed the treat to Syd, bonded then left 4:28. Syd chittered baby talk telling her egg. She unzipped & ate the treat immediately. Mel decided to spend the day at the Palmz giving Sydney some well deserved alone time.
What time will Mel show tonight?
Will the mysterious third owl show again?
Stay tuned..