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

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Ash and Sooty, two barn owls, that took up residence in a chimney, now have a far better home at the Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society in Merville.
Fortunately, for them and the homeowners, the fireplace had glass doors and a screen which prevented the owls from creating a mess in the living room.

The two owls were snuggled together, covered in soot and ash and did not put up a struggle when removed from the fireplace.
Ash, the female was having considerable breathing difficulties either from soot inhalation or stress, but Sooty did not appear to be in any acute distress.
Both owls were put in an incubator with a humidifier to help them breathe. They have now been relocated to an outside aviary complete with a nest box in case Ash is carrying eggs. Both are eating and gaining weight.
If any farmers in the Comox area around the Dyke Road are interested in adopting these owls into a barn please contact them at 250-337-2021.

This is a great reminder to homeowners who have open chimneys to make sure you have a grate or screen on top of the opening as not only owls but starlings and chimney swifts may also come looking for a warm sheltered spot and they can create havoc if they nest or find their way into your living area.

To follow the owls progress or updates on other patients please check their site at below link
www.wingtips.org