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

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Another egg loss in the nest

Its unfortunate that we have lost another egg as it appeared to be hatching, but this was not a normal hatching as Sydney had pulled the egg out in front of her as she pecked away at the shell.

It is normal for the mother to help during a hatch but it is usually done when the egg is still under her and more than halfway out, then she would help. What we may have observed was excess yolk that was still present or some sort of abnormality with the chick  - either way, she had no hesitation to do what was needed. We are not to question or challenge the why but just accept that this is natures way.

*We remind our viewers that one of the hardest parts about these live cameras is that they capture the natural world in its purest state, and sometimes the natural world can be cold and unforgiving. While it’s a privilege to watch the intimate life of these birds in the wild, the truth is that some may not survive - the parents will dispose of things - it is the "Owl Way" - viewer discretion is advised for younger and otherwise sensitive guests.