Potted Plant Owls are back in Johannesburg

[Kris G.]

Last night we thought we saw Azizi on the roof flying off, with PPO in pursuit. After we saw that, the neighbour's garden was very quiet - no hissing at all. PPO and Pappa were'nt around either so we suspect that our first instinct was correct.
This was confirmed early this morning when we woke to see three owls flying from rooftop to rooftop. The owls were heading in the direction of the usual roosting spot (where Pappa sleeps when PPO is here with us).

We took a walk around the neighbourhood but couldn't see any owls about. This is great news because it indicates that Azizi is strong enough to fly onto a wall or into a tree to protect itself.

Well done PPO and Pappa - you raised a wonderful, healthy chick!   

                             

[MAK]

Oh yeah! 

[Donna]

Thank you to all of you who followed the owl season this year. It was certainly a season of ups and downs, and unique sightings. I'm grateful that two eggs hatched after the first attempt at the breeding season failed. I am sorry that we lost Rosie so unexpectedly, but I am thankful for Azizi's strength and determination.
We haven't seen Azizi since its epic flight on Monday but I am confident that our chick is alive and well. The fact that we haven't seen PPO and Pappa around means that they must be busy teaching our chick how to hunt and look after itself. We've heard Pappa's loud hooting from far down the wetland, so they are still in the greater territory.

From PPO fb

[MAK]

Safe travels on your lifes journey Azizi! 

[Dumpsterkitty]

Monday, January 21, 2013
Family together
Not a good picture but shows the whole family together.

Pappa is to the left of the satellite dish.

Azizi is directly below the satellite dish on a smaller roof.

PPO is on the top roof - on the right hand side.

[carla]

Thanks for posting.
It was fun watching them.I was so happy with the second clutch.
Azizi is a Miracle

[Kris G.]

Monday, January 21, 2013
Family together
Not a good picture but shows the whole family together.

Pappa is to the left of the satellite dish.

Azizi is directly below the satellite dish on a smaller roof.

PPO is on the top roof - on the right hand side.

 

[Donna]

Got woken up this morning to Pappa's loud hooting. Best alarm clock ever! I also heard PPO returning the call - much quieter and more respectfully than Pappa who seemed to think it was a competition for the loudest 'voice' in the 'hood. We saw Azizi with PPO a couple of nights ago. We could tell it was Azizi when it took off from the roof - the flight was not quite as graceful as its mom, but Azizi still looked strong.   

[MAK]

Got woken up this morning to Pappa's loud hooting. Best alarm clock ever! I also heard PPO returning the call - much quieter and more respectfully than Pappa who seemed to think it was a competition for the loudest 'voice' in the 'hood. We saw Azizi with PPO a couple of nights ago. We could tell it was Azizi when it took off from the roof - the flight was not quite as graceful as its mom, but Azizi still looked strong.   

 

[Donna]

Thought was had a current topic on this cam!

Oh well: Update

This year has brought with it many exciting challenges that have demanded a lot of our time and attention. Work has brought the opportunity to travel with groups. Our sport has seen us fitting in races that I never thought possible – the most recent being our trip to Colorado. A few weeks ago we adopted a new young female Border Collie to keep our dog, Destin, company. Like Destin, Layla is a 100% rescue dog – found under-nourished, cowering and in need of some TLC wandering around a dusty township. And I have been working on a animated movie script with a great conservation message in it. PPO is a character in the story, but is not the hero. The hero is a young Rhino – and more of that to come.

So what does all this have to do with PPO, Pappa and their family?
Is PPO still around?
Will she choose to nest on our balcony again, or will she find a new nesting spot?

Firstly, our movements have a lot to do with PPO – at least in the sense of monitoring her and Pappa, and 'checking in' on facebook. Travelling a lot means we're not at home to report all the good stuff – when the owls visit the balcony, how long they stay and which pot plant they are likely to choose for their nest this time around.
Judging by the mess on the balcony floor (soil kicked everywhere), I'd say that PPO hasn't yet decided which pot plant container to choose. She's still seeing which one fits better, and will probably decide on the day.
By all accounts, PPO plans on nesting again. Usually, she lays at least one egg in August and now we are into September and no egg in sight. Although this is later than usual, it is by no means an indication that she definitely won't lay eggs this season. We've just had a long cold spell which may account for a delay of a week or two. The winter has also been drier than usual so perhaps food availability is tight (until the rains come and insects come out). Perhaps PPO wants a longer break after the second attempt at breeding this past season.

The good news is that whatever she decides to do, we will be around (between our travels) to report the goings on. The bad news is that this year we've decided to give the webcam a break.

Yes, I know. I can hear the sighs, upsets, and tears from here. I appreciate that you may be upset and will miss being able to see PPO, Pappa and their family 24/7. This was not an easy decision to come to, and we spent a lot of time writing out the pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision boils down to not enough time in the day to tweak cameras, amend angles, cut branches, work on sound, check internet settings and fix problems that arise from having a 24/7 webcam operating from our home. We may not be home for a week and if something goes wrong with the webcam then, you will be upset – and likely to lose interest in PPO. At the end of the day, we have to look at what's practical for us (the ones who have to troubleshoot webcam issues at home). We are not deciding never to broadcast PPO again. This is a decision for this season only (should PPO nest), and we will review our decision next time.

When we can, we will keep you updated on all movements in PPO land via facebook and the PPO blog, which will start up when PPO decides to nest again.

Right now, my movie script is finished and I'm ready to pitch my Rhino story. If any PPO fan has a contact at an animation production house or a movie financing house, please let me know. It's near on impossible to pitch a story idea when everyone states “no unsolicitated ideas�.

Well, that's it for now. We acquired a small HD movie camera so when we figure out how to work it, we will also post video clips of PPO, Pappa and the family (hopefully). Warm regards to you all!

[Kris G.]

Thought was had a current topic on this cam!

Oh well: Update

This year has brought with it many exciting challenges that have demanded a lot of our time and attention. Work has brought the opportunity to travel with groups. Our sport has seen us fitting in races that I never thought possible – the most recent being our trip to Colorado. A few weeks ago we adopted a new young female Border Collie to keep our dog, Destin, company. Like Destin, Layla is a 100% rescue dog – found under-nourished, cowering and in need of some TLC wandering around a dusty township. And I have been working on a animated movie script with a great conservation message in it. PPO is a character in the story, but is not the hero. The hero is a young Rhino – and more of that to come.

So what does all this have to do with PPO, Pappa and their family?
Is PPO still around?
Will she choose to nest on our balcony again, or will she find a new nesting spot?

Firstly, our movements have a lot to do with PPO – at least in the sense of monitoring her and Pappa, and 'checking in' on facebook. Travelling a lot means we're not at home to report all the good stuff – when the owls visit the balcony, how long they stay and which pot plant they are likely to choose for their nest this time around.
Judging by the mess on the balcony floor (soil kicked everywhere), I'd say that PPO hasn't yet decided which pot plant container to choose. She's still seeing which one fits better, and will probably decide on the day.
By all accounts, PPO plans on nesting again. Usually, she lays at least one egg in August and now we are into September and no egg in sight. Although this is later than usual, it is by no means an indication that she definitely won't lay eggs this season. We've just had a long cold spell which may account for a delay of a week or two. The winter has also been drier than usual so perhaps food availability is tight (until the rains come and insects come out). Perhaps PPO wants a longer break after the second attempt at breeding this past season.

The good news is that whatever she decides to do, we will be around (between our travels) to report the goings on. The bad news is that this year we've decided to give the webcam a break.

Yes, I know. I can hear the sighs, upsets, and tears from here. I appreciate that you may be upset and will miss being able to see PPO, Pappa and their family 24/7. This was not an easy decision to come to, and we spent a lot of time writing out the pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision boils down to not enough time in the day to tweak cameras, amend angles, cut branches, work on sound, check internet settings and fix problems that arise from having a 24/7 webcam operating from our home. We may not be home for a week and if something goes wrong with the webcam then, you will be upset – and likely to lose interest in PPO. At the end of the day, we have to look at what's practical for us (the ones who have to troubleshoot webcam issues at home). We are not deciding never to broadcast PPO again. This is a decision for this season only (should PPO nest), and we will review our decision next time.

When we can, we will keep you updated on all movements in PPO land via facebook and the PPO blog, which will start up when PPO decides to nest again.

Right now, my movie script is finished and I'm ready to pitch my Rhino story. If any PPO fan has a contact at an animation production house or a movie financing house, please let me know. It's near on impossible to pitch a story idea when everyone states “no unsolicitated ideas�.

Well, that's it for now. We acquired a small HD movie camera so when we figure out how to work it, we will also post video clips of PPO, Pappa and the family (hopefully). Warm regards to you all!

This should be merged -General Nature Discussion-Potted Plant Owls are back in Johannesburg

[Shaky]

Merged.

[Donna]

Merged.

Sheesh, I looked and couldn't find it, thank you!

[Donna]

Woke up this morning to a big, fat mess of soil on the balcony floor. PPO / Pappa 'dug' a big hole in the soil of last year's nest. Looks like this might be the nest of choice. Both owls came to the balcony before sundown, which is a sign that they are getting a little more serious about possibly laying eggs sometime soon. Fingers crossed!

PPO!!

[Donna]

Pot Plant Owl
As of the 15th September, we have one egg! PPO has laid an egg in the newer nest pot (one used last year). We had quite a storm on Saturday night so hopefully this didn't affect the egg at all. Waiting to see if today or tomorrow brings a second one.