Monday, April 12, 2010

My latest time waster.

Picture 2


I am pretty adept at finding things to do other than what I should be doing.

The latest distraction keeping me from working on our taxes, needlepointing on my Christmas stocking, cleaning out my closets, organizing my desk, etc. is this Owl Cam. It features "Molly and McGee," a pair of barn owls in Southern California who have taken up residence in a owl nesting box. The owner of the box, Carlos, set up the box two years ago and equipped it with two web cams, one for the daytime and an infrared one for night (there is now a third camera outside the box that records the owls coming and going from the box). The box remained empty until a couple of months ago when Molly and McGee set up housekeeping there. Subsequently Molly laid six eggs. Four of the eggs hatched, and the babies now range from two to three weeks old. They are so cute! At night the dad, McGee, delivers food for his family (usually mice but occasionally a rabbit or gopher). As the babies have gotten bigger, McGee has increased the number of offerings he brings. Molly attentively tends to her brood, sitting on them or tucking them under her wings to keep them warm.

The owls are fascinating to watch. Don't say I didn't warn you if you get as addicted to the owl cam as I am!

9 comments:

JoAnn said...

I have been watching them too! I had a roofer at my house last week and his whole family watches them. Here is another:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/eagle-cam

This mama brought a squirrel back in her claws the other day and within minutes had torn it apart. You could hardly see her because of all the fur that was flying!

Henley on the Horn said...

You are so cute! I will have to watch... but I will remember your words of caution:)

Jennifer said...

So funny! My husband might die if I started watching owls online :) He thinks I'm crazy enough with all the blogs :)

Maggie said...

Fascinating! I will recommend this to my parents, who are pretty much homebound. The owlcam might really brighten their days.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Just amazing!
Loved watching them too!
Thanks for the link.

More or less thirty years ago, after my house was built, we found a family of barn-owls (a mother and five owlets) in the ceiling.
If you like to see the photos, please, click on Barn Owls.

Amber M. said...

I'm going to show this to Sam when he gets home tonight...he will LOVE it!

fleur de lis cottage said...

How interesting! I have to go take a peek!

3 Peanuts said...

Thank you Eloise...I need another time waster;)

Kim

Things That Inspire said...

That is so cute! I just emailed this to my 7 year old's teacher. They are studying owls and they will love this.