Plant Pot Owl

:What: strange

Lai

At the moment the cam is off line and has been for about 30mins according to the chat. No news on any hatches yet and no more updates on the blog so I presume No Chicks as yet.
littlewid-x-

let's hope some news will filter through soon.

Lai

The cam is up and running again but no news still either on the blog or chat. This is now geting a little worrying that the eggs wont hatch,I really hope thats no the case.

littlewid-x-

Its getting a bit long now. The Blog said on the 5th, that they hoped they would hatched within a week. and thats up tomorrow
WS

I know WS, it is worrying and poor PPO is just sitting there waiting just like we are. Lets hope they miraculously hatch tomorrow.

littlewid-x-

Still no news on PPO. She is in her usual position in the pot so it remains a waiting game. I am wondering if the owner will make an announcement on the blog tomorrow as that will be a week since the last post. I think these eggs may be removed from the pot.

littlewid-x-

Thanks for checking on PPO Doogs.

Here is the news from the Blog today. It's all a bit sad really but I think they are making the right decision and I am sure PPO will as well. I will be keeping an eye on her and what happens. I have a strong feeling the cam will go off on Sunday. I already feel so sorry for PPO & Pappa.

Friday, October 12, 2012
12 October and decision time
When there is a difficult decision to make, I am the biggest procrastinator around. First I think about the situation, and then I think some more. My mind processes possible outcomes, and eventually comes up with one that, ultimately, will be the path that I will take. But instead of jumping right in with both feet and dealing with it, I take a step back and ignore the situation. Eventually something usually happens to spur me into action and I take that decisive step into the territory known as "crunch time".

I reached that point this morning with what to do with my sweet Pot Plant Owl. It came to me as I sat at the window and watched the rain falling down on her already drenched feathers. Her false ear tufts almost lay flat on her head, and she looked smaller and more vulnerable faithfully protecting her eggs that, I am almost 100% sure, are not viable.

I have to respect their privacy and give Pot Plant Owl and Pappa some space. Sooner or later, PPO will realise that sitting on her eggs will not make a difference to the outcome - the eggs are not hatching. Maybe she's already come to that conclusion but is also procrastinating or ignoring the facts.

As strange as it may sound to many people, I believe that animals and birds pick up all our thoughts and feelings. And maybe, just maybe, Pot Plant Owl knows that her eggs are not viable but she wants to 'show us all' that she is still trying. I liken it to my dying grandmother hanging on for a few hours in order for her daughters to gather around her to say goodbye.

Pot Plant Owl is not going anywhere, but she needs to be given the permission to 'let go' now. The best way I can do that for her is to give her her privacy.

Regretably for you viewers, this means that if an egg doesn't hatch by Sun 14th October, we will switch the webcam off early next week. This will allow PPO to decide how she is going to handle the situation. We will obviously be here to keep an eye on her, but otherwise she won't be the focus of so many people's attention.

Will she lay eggs again this season? I honestly can't say. This is a first for us so who knows. We will keep you informed.

littlewid-x-

Thanks for checking, and putting on the latest Blog. It's a very sad, but I believe correct decision. PPO does need to have her own space, and private time to deal with this, and hopefully she will make that choice soon. Perhaps she may lay again lets hope so, but while we've all enjoyed watching PPO, and Pappa it's important that we respect that they are wild animals and entitled to their privacy.
WS

PPO is still sitting it out on her eggs bless her. Soon the cm will be turned off I am sure and PPO will have the peace to make her decision. As it has been said on the blog chat, it could be natures way of giving PPO a rest from all the healthy chicks she has raised.

littlewid-x-

No change in PPO or her position
littlewid-x-

Thanks for checking LW, sad isnt it.
WS

Oh dear, that was such a sad read poor PPO and such a touch decision but she can't just carry on sitting there. I am sure the right decision will be made and PPO will lay more eggs again and raise some little owlets.

Lai

It is very sad and it is getting hard to keep watching PPO sit there. The cam is still up and running but I am sure Tracey will make the decision to turn it off later today. I will check again later today but I reckon we will be saying Goodbye to PPO later today.

littlewid-x-

Nature is harsh, but I am sure PPO will have more soon and it must be very distressing for Tracey.

Lai

Nature can be harsh can't it but then again maybe it is giving PPO and Pappa a rest.
The cam is still up at the moment and PPO is still there keeping a vigil on her eggs. Her position hasn't changed but I will post the picture as the cam may well be off in the morning.

littlewid-x-

At the moment the cam is still running and no change with PPO. When the cam goes off Tracey has said she will keep everyone updated on the blog and FB, so I will be keeping an eye out for news on PPO & Pappa.

littlewid-x-

Thanks Littlewid. I feel sure Tracey will do the right thing.

Lai

In the end Tracey didn't have to make the decision to turn the cam off, PPO has flown the pot and left her two eggs behind. I think its nice that PPO has come to the decision by herself. It is a sad sight to see the two eggs left in the nest though but maybe next year PPO & Pappa will be back as Tracey is doubtful if there will be another clutch this year. Everyone on chat is saying their goodbyes and thanks to Tracey and I wll keep an eye on FB for updates for us all.
Its been a great watch PPO just sad it could have been a better outcome for you & Pappa.
Bye Bye PPO & Pappa.....till next time.

littlewid-x-

Thanks for letting us know, it is really sad but I am so pleased PPO made the decision herself, it just goes to show how intelligent owls are.

Hopefully next year PPO and Pappa will have more luck and we can look forward to Tracey sharing her wonderful cam with us all.

Lai

Its is really sad that PPO, & Pappa have not had little ones this year, but I thni its good that PPO made the decision. It will save Tracy having to agonise over it as she clearly has so much love, and compassion for PPO, and Pappa. I will post my thanks to Tracy on the FB site. Thanks for keeping us upto date
WS