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

FAQ

Q: What kind of owls are these?
A: Barn Owls (Tyto alba)
Q: Why are they in a box? Are they pets?
A: The mating pair Mel and Sydney chose this box for their nest, They are wild and free owls and can come and go as they please.
Q:Where is this box?
A: The box is located in Oceanside Ca, North San Diego County
Q: What do they eat?
A: Barn Owls are birds of prey, they will eat rodents such as pocket gophers, mice and voles and rats. They will also eat rabbits and opossums and small birds.
Q: When will the owlets fledge?
A: Average time for 1st exit - 55 to 65 days of age. Usual 1st full flight-60 to 75 days. Considered Adult Owl@ Day 80; usually fully fledged between 86 & 90 day
Q: Who is Kangarobin?
Kangarobin is the box owner who built the nesting box and this is his backyard.
Q: Where is the Mom & Dad owl?
A: During the day Mel & Sydney perche in a tree that is close by to the nesting box.
Q: How do you know which owl is Mel and which owl is Sydney?
A: Males and females are very similar in size and color. The females can be slightly larger, darker and have more spots than the males. And if you look close, they have very different looking faces.
Q: How high is the box?
A: Box is located about 16 feet above ground level. Dimensions - Length 30", Height 18", Width 16" (left-to-right dimension seen on interior camera), Porthole 6" diam. (and about 6" above box floor)
for more info about the box click on the link HERE

(L) Mel and (R) Sydney
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