Potted Plant Owls are back in Johannesburg

[AlisonL]

As of September 8, Lady has been incubating three eggs.

A few hours ago:

I think we may have our first chick. Pappa has been on the rooftop hooting loudly for ages. I can't see into the pot with Lady there but she seems more alert. If there's a gap when / if she gets off the nest, I'll confirm if we have a new arrival.

I am happy for Pappa and Lady. It is good that he was able to convince her to accept the planter as her nest. She is a beautiful owl.



I cannot watch this site without thinking of the senseless loss of PPO.

[Kris G.]

As of September 8, Lady has been incubating three eggs.

A few hours ago:

I think we may have our first chick. Pappa has been on the rooftop hooting loudly for ages. I can't see into the pot with Lady there but she seems more alert. If there's a gap when / if she gets off the nest, I'll confirm if we have a new arrival.

I am happy for Pappa and Lady. It is good that he was able to convince her to accept the planter as her nest. She is a beautiful owl.



I cannot watch this site without thinking of the senseless loss of PPO.

Me either, Alison.  Hopefully, the neighbors have been educated about secondary rodenticide poisoning and are aware of rodent control using alternate methods other than rat poison.

[MAK]

As of September 8, Lady has been incubating three eggs.

A few hours ago:

I think we may have our first chick. Pappa has been on the rooftop hooting loudly for ages. I can't see into the pot with Lady there but she seems more alert. If there's a gap when / if she gets off the nest, I'll confirm if we have a new arrival.

I am happy for Pappa and Lady. It is good that he was able to convince her to accept the planter as her nest. She is a beautiful owl.



I cannot watch this site without thinking of the senseless loss of PPO.

 

[AlisonL]

An update today:

Unfortunately no hatched eggs yet. I was called away on a family emergency so haven't been able to check. This evening I can confirm that no eggs have hatched. Will keep hoping.

[MAK]

An update today:

Unfortunately no hatched eggs yet. I was called away on a family emergency so haven't been able to check. This evening I can confirm that no eggs have hatched. Will keep hoping.

I hope everything is alright Alison. Best wishes to you and your family. 

[Tapper Gal]

I have viewed all the posting on this site.Fascinating and educational.I wish good luck to the owls and hope a baby comes. Thanks to you all. 

[AlisonL]

An update today:

Still no confirmation of hatching. Pappa visited the balcony this evening and stood there for a long time looking in the pot plant.

We're trying not to dwell on the eggs not hatching and instead spend time saying hello to Lady and Pappa.

What's lovely is that Pappa has moved his roosting spot to above our gate in a nearby palm tree. It's reassuring waking up and seeing him.each morning.

Perhaps the breeding won't be successful this time round. Maybe Pappa is getting on in breeding years. Maybe Lady is not quite ready. Maybe there are environmental factors at play. It has been very hot here...and unbelievably dry too.

Will keep you posted.

Even if the eggs are not going to hatch, it is still good to have Pappa and his new Lady on territory. I hope they both stay safe.

I also hope that everything is okay with Tracy and her family.

[Dumpsterkitty]

Just spotted on FB that Lady has re-clutched. 2 eggs currently in the old pot plant nest!

[MAK]

Just spotted on FB that Lady has re-clutched. 2 eggs currently in the old pot plant nest!

 

[AlisonL]

Just spotted on FB that Lady has re-clutched. 2 eggs currently in the old pot plant nest!

 

I saw that too, MAK! Unexpected news but good news.

http://picload.org/image/rdwadigg/pot-plant-owl-nov-15-2a.jpg

http://picload.org/image/rdwadigd/pot-plant-owl-nov-16-1a.jpg

Having to use a different image site, from which I can only post links: Photobucket has been down all month so far. 

[Donna]

Nice pics Alison, hope they hatch!! 

[Tapper Gal]

GreatPicture of the eggs.Good luck!!!!!   

[AlisonL]

Since the two eggs were seen on November 16, the hatch window should be close. Hoping for the very best for Lady and Pappa.

[Carol P.]

Since the two eggs were seen on November 16, the hatch window should be close. Hoping for the very best for Lady and Pappa.

Hope they have a successful hatch! 

[AlisonL]

Posted on the site one hour ago:

We're 90% certain that there's a newly hatched chick (or two) in the nest. Will get confirmation this evening.