tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post1081281855735640159..comments2024-03-21T00:31:29.186-07:00Comments on Stacey O'Brien : Wesley the Owl: I HAVE BEEN BANNED FROM THE MOLLY OWL BOX FOR SPEAKING MY MIND AND SAYING THAT SCIENTIST DO WORK WITH WILD OWLS!!!!!Stacey O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821047137548565006noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-69525074230149501822015-10-07T23:13:02.444-07:002015-10-07T23:13:02.444-07:00What a great article. Thanks for sharing. We are a...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What a great article. Thanks for sharing. We are always looking to innovate and carry the industry forward by sharing great practices. What are your thoughts on digital advertising in regards to SEO, Graphic Design and Content? We have seen it all over the map from 500 word pieces to 2,500 word pieces. Not to mention the new hipster designs and parallax themes. What are your thoughts? Come check us out some time. Would love to hear what you think about our blog articles too.<a href="http://centermassmedia.com" rel="nofollow">centermassmedia.com</a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16143835667272147984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-42166846480016758232015-08-16T23:35:05.060-07:002015-08-16T23:35:05.060-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16143835667272147984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-14254716794727666512015-06-20T23:16:21.942-07:002015-06-20T23:16:21.942-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15612327984310366710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-90201144045646418932015-06-06T12:28:57.767-07:002015-06-06T12:28:57.767-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16143835667272147984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-87251830028967355972015-05-14T23:18:29.752-07:002015-05-14T23:18:29.752-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16143835667272147984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-9802610859483798472015-03-24T07:40:42.498-07:002015-03-24T07:40:42.498-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16143835667272147984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-9366227068453762812013-02-27T13:21:17.141-08:002013-02-27T13:21:17.141-08:00Stacey, my mom Deborah Hicks (Wesley's nanny)w...Stacey, my mom Deborah Hicks (Wesley's nanny)would like to contact you. Do you still read this blog?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-86742472988545997052010-07-24T07:37:45.772-07:002010-07-24T07:37:45.772-07:00Carlos must be doing something right. Molly &...Carlos must be doing something right. Molly & McGee have returned to the owl box with a second clutch. Nests for owls, either man-made OR natural, don't always have a branch nearby, yet the young ones manage to return safely. The Royals have never claimed to be scientists or experts on the subject of owls so lighten up folks. We all know you're all still lurking in the chat, waiting for the owlets to hatch!Shermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08522023499975569077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-63840872457037897782010-05-25T18:00:53.996-07:002010-05-25T18:00:53.996-07:00I'm sure this post won't be here for long,...I'm sure this post won't be here for long, but I find it very . . . interesting that a blog expressing anger over censoring comments is full of censored comments. <br />I do a lot of environmental education. You can beat people over the head with what they should do, and get them angry and refusing to do the right thing, OR you can go at it with a much gentler approach. Maybe that makes too much sense, though. I am curious about that question that asks if Stacey is donating all of her profits. Just curious. . .la_gritshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06246230972826618690noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-68860381534896755022010-05-11T19:20:46.615-07:002010-05-11T19:20:46.615-07:00Stacey - I notice that Carlos did build a "T-...Stacey - I notice that Carlos did build a "T-bar" for the owlets to fly to, I guess to help them "branch." So thanks to you that he even provided that! I do worry that the owlets will not have enough places to branch and be able to get back into the box. The Audubon California Star Ranch barn owl cam documented a "natural" nest, built in an eucalyptus tree - even this nest, two of the owlets perished - though 5 out of 7 fledged, you can still hear one or two of them rasping close to the nest site. It now appears Mom and Dad are gearing up (they have been mating for the past couple days) for another clutch! I just believe that a "manmade" owl nesting site should imitate a tree as closely as possible, lots of room, easy access, lots of "branches." You were absolutely right! I do believe that there is plenty of food for the Molly/McGee owl family - I just wish the owl box had a larger entrance and a larger platform outside the entrance and more branches for the owlets to branch tomotherbeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07560871100732793131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-81762565795041200712010-05-06T22:10:44.998-07:002010-05-06T22:10:44.998-07:00So, now I'm pretty confused. I posted yesterda...So, now I'm pretty confused. I posted yesterday,& my post has been deleted. I was not disrespectful in any way, shape, or form but I did say that in MY opinion I felt Stacey, that you were banned for the WAY you said what you did three nights ago, not for the content. I ALSO sad that I was sorry things had gone that way because I know people in that room respected & appreciated your expertise. <br />So, it seems completely hypocritical to me that a post expressing an opinion about your being banned would be deleted because I was not 100% in agreement with your statement that you were banned for speaking your mind. <br />Also kind of ironic because I was really trying last night in the room to spread some awareness of what the owlets need to be able to fledge (which I learned from you.)<br />I plan to keep trying to do that because in the end, it is the owls that matter, not this petty interpersonal stuff.debzonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08435891199907403744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-35338117858924099252010-05-06T21:38:54.932-07:002010-05-06T21:38:54.932-07:00I have to say that I am not surprised ONE bit! It...I have to say that I am not surprised ONE bit! It's funny how they think that they are all owl experts but yet a real owl expert come in and they shun them out. I'm so disappointed in this chatroom to say the least! I have been watching since egg 2 was laid and have gotten the cold shoulder from Carlos since the beginning. This is HIS box and that's how he wants to keep it. Stacey, I bought your book and look forward to reading the rest of it! So far, it's great. I know where to find you know and if I have a question, this is where I will be! Take care!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17771922213630423931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-52566042032321195782010-05-06T19:39:21.427-07:002010-05-06T19:39:21.427-07:00I was on the M&M site from the first or second...I was on the M&M site from the first or second egg. At that time there were not many people there and people were thirsting for information. I am no professional, but I researched before I answered questions and understand the scientific model. Very early on, I expressed concern about the design of the box to the owner and suggested that to reduce the risk of fall, he place a small piece of wood to heighten the doorway. He was very interested in learning things and did make a positive comment about my suggestion. The expert builder and some of the mods said there was no danger of falling. One person even suggested that there was a gene for falling and the owls that fell could not reproduce thus selecting them out of the gene pool. I asked for the reference for this but received no response. I suggested that because people who chat there take everything that is said as the ultimate truth, that they should be able to produce references for comments like that. I am actually surprised that I am not banned. I have been a realist about the things that could happen in the nest and that did not go over well. I have spent a lot of time on the BOT site as well as other science-based sites and have a great difficulty with the rose-colored glasses in general use there. I agree with most of the comments written here. The box had the great potential of opening the world of BNOWs to the general public, but then something went terribly wrong. The commercialism bothered me--the constant posts about "buy this or that," donating to a "foundation" that would be set up, the clique mentality and the abuse of power by the mods. I was also thrilled to see Stacey in there because I knew she knew a thing or two. I would have loved to have time to pick her mind. <br /><br />I appreciate that the cam was set up and that I had a color view into the world of the BNOW. I thank the owner for this opportunity, but things have gone amuck and I rarely go there anymore except for the view. I prefer to spend time on came that come from a science-based source, and I donate to one of these cams.<br /><br />And to Stacey--as they say, the juice ain't worth the squeeze. You have many other important things to do and say. Don't let the mob mentality get you down.PaulaPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00066868953277315860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-52509892005161765432010-05-06T10:50:39.011-07:002010-05-06T10:50:39.011-07:00It was Carlos's and Donna's decision to ba...It was Carlos's and Donna's decision to ban Stacey. Let no one think otherwise. He is calling the shots and the Mods are following his orders. I predict a mass mutiny in the next few weeks = one mod told me "this isn't what I signed up for."Denisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15519155611190271212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-56862893375526416692010-05-06T07:54:46.245-07:002010-05-06T07:54:46.245-07:00Everybody os worried about Carlos Royal and how mu...Everybody os worried about Carlos Royal and how much money he is making from this..Is Stacey donating 100% of her profits from her book? She sold a LOT more copies from being on the Owl Box site ..cakelovr1010https://www.blogger.com/profile/00122947491438518187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-44848574907960230702010-05-06T00:21:33.586-07:002010-05-06T00:21:33.586-07:00When I heard Stacey had been kicked off I sent a m...When I heard Stacey had been kicked off I sent a moderator the following private message...<br /> <br />"What is this I hear about Stacey being kicked off? This is going to be very embarrassing to Carlos and Donna. Donna reads her blog. It is <br />wrong to cause a rift."<br /> <br />I wanted to try to guilt trip the moderator like they did something <br />that would hurt Carlos and Donna but apparently they were in on it. <br />because this is the text of what was said next by the moderator ....<br /> <br />"It was Carlos and Donna's decision. And not something that was decided lightly. It was done for a reason. And will not be reversed"<br /> <br />12:30 belindaesq: OH THEY WERE INVOLVED????????OMG. I WAS BEING <br />PROTECTIVE OF THEM AND THEY DID IT??????<br /> <br />silence. I got off. Oy vey. What a mess.<br /><br />People are not what they seem. There is much more to this story than those involved will discuss. Stacey is too polite to put any more energy into this. Go to Colorado and make a difference to the animal world. We love you owl girl!Belinda Rachman, Esq.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03150492938417225865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-16118393820544355282010-05-05T22:56:59.994-07:002010-05-05T22:56:59.994-07:00I was just in Chat and mentioned to Carlos that I ...I was just in Chat and mentioned to Carlos that I answer questions because Moderators are too busy chatting amongst themselves. Carlos replied, <br />"1:00 carlosroyal: No one has to answer any quesion unless they want to"<br />Ummmmmm, isn't there a personal responsibility to educate folks who are wanting and trying to learn? <br />My heart is heavy. Do I stay to answer the ignored? Or do I toss in the towel and leave because the site owner obviously wants a sugarcoated entertainment site? It's sad. I'm sad.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14994335728329078656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-15506151686144185382010-05-05T22:05:16.264-07:002010-05-05T22:05:16.264-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.debzonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08435891199907403744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-25548412178872819752010-05-05T21:14:48.002-07:002010-05-05T21:14:48.002-07:00One day, after some of these chatters have continu...One day, after some of these chatters have continued to observe wildlife for a few years and learned a little more you can bet they will kick themselves for shunning you. <br /><br />Many cams that become popular on Ustream turn into this sort of circus. Moderators get power happy, the owner suddenly feels like a celebrity, cliques form. Kinda like the old days of IRC. But now you have products pop up (usually because people do demand them) then you have to deal with advertising that turns into something else. (If I could get one dollar for every viewer.. wow!) It's not the first time and it won't be the last. <br /><br />I respect what the Royals have done, sharing this experience with the world but I don't like that views/opinions/questions/advice/facts are being suppressed in the chat room to maintain the "perfection" of the story. I understand wanting to keep the room G rated. To me, that doesn't mean discussions about the sad side of nature shouldn't be discussed. It happens quite often and is an integral part of learning about the species you are watching! Like Yin and Yang. <br /><br />I've seen all sorts of horrific and sad things happen in wild nests. Like a few years ago, the barn owl mother on webcam in CA that ate the head of a gopher and the skull freakishly lodged in her throat, killing her, leaving her 7 babies orphaned. There are many baby barn owls that are attacked in their own nests. Many of these are documented, even some on Youtube - one of the most memorable - baby Hugo. Parents are killed, babies die, predators creep in, eggs are stolen. People need to understand the life of barn owls isn't always as smooth as it has been for Molly and her family - so far. I really hope it continues, it's nice to see. <br /><br /><br />So with all these natural things working against owls and looming over them to begin with, It's not unreasonable for ANYONE to want to discuss these things and also be concerned about fledging areas outside of a box placed by humans. These humans need to be responsible and educated about what they're doing for the sake of these federally protected owls. <br /> <br />I am so sorry you have been banned. Personally I will not be returning either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-53532328231168270442010-05-05T20:10:48.360-07:002010-05-05T20:10:48.360-07:00I'm sorry that you're being treated this w...I'm sorry that you're being treated this way, Stacey!<br /><br />I'm not surprised at some of the simple(ton) thought processes of some of the folks in the chat.<br /><br />As I understand it, Carlos INVITED STACEY but somewhere something went wrong.<br /><br />I think the mods who are stifling ideas and speech feel that you're a threat to their mod jobs. If people are paying attention to you, then they're not kissing up to them every 5 minutes.<br /><br />They don't realize or understand that you're a scientist who has STUDIED barn owls. They think that because you wrote a book about your beloved Wesley and spent a chunk of your time with him that that equals: you've only worked with hand raised BOs and NEVER wildlife or out in the field.<br /><br />I've seen mods say that and then Carlos goes and REPEATS this nonsense. Why he listens to ANY of them is beyond me, as I've NEVER heard any of them say they have or had any experience with wildlife (watching robins from your bedroom window doesn't count). So they have a lot of nerve questioning YOUR creds.<br /><br />Sitting home all day, wielding these weird, dubious "mod powers" and having people react must be the most attention some of them have had in their whole lives.<br /><br />The homeschoolers, the people who hate science, the inside jokes and some mods in that chat room have turned the chat into one big commercial to hawk useless stuff and solicit recipes for some corny "ecookbook".<br /><br />And then to basically shut out someone who can offer real insight into things is just baffling.<br /><br />I believe the Royals are nature lovers and animal enthusiasts and I appreciate that they're sharing these BOs with the world. I'm glad that they inspired others to share their channels and I'm moving on other (free) Ustream bird/animal channels where I'm not solicited every hour on the hour and can just enjoy watching.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04044649184335237080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-74394178730337170162010-05-05T16:25:35.041-07:002010-05-05T16:25:35.041-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.mauigeckohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00345969024348268521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-91513244746327378102010-05-05T16:25:09.813-07:002010-05-05T16:25:09.813-07:00Magicsmom you said it eloquently and I hope people...Magicsmom you said it eloquently and I hope people listen and stop hearing personal attacks. We have now had intimate exposure to these beautiful creatures and hopefully it will bring out the humanity in all who have had this experience.<br />You can also give back by donating directly to any of the wonderful wildlife funds that Stacey mentioned in an earlier blog. By givng directly all goes to the fund and not just $1.00.mauigeckohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00345969024348268521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-31143300606052502662010-05-05T16:11:36.506-07:002010-05-05T16:11:36.506-07:00I have to say I am sorry but not surprised. The mo...I have to say I am sorry but not surprised. The mods (a select few) have taken over the chat and have personal vendettas that they carry out on a whim. I also have been banned along with a few others for exposing the true identity of a regular chatter. Stacey what you tried to do is evident to those who really care about the owls and we are behind you and will join your voice in trying to bring about regulation. We have to remember no product man conceives of is better than what God intended and we frequently do more harm than good when we interfere.mauigeckohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00345969024348268521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-29733120652227336442010-05-05T15:56:25.512-07:002010-05-05T15:56:25.512-07:00Nobody should feel guilty for enjoying the owls. ...Nobody should feel guilty for enjoying the owls. I never said or even implied that. This is how rumors start. Next thing we know, it will be all over the Royal compound that we are saying to feel guilty for enjoying the owls. But it should not ALL be about enjoyment. You should be willing to give back to these magnificent creatures who have so enhanced your life. While life can and should be enjoyable, the sum total of our existence should not be to say that we were a part of it and golly gee wasn't that fun.Magicsmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15822976445277758430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-43207101540687231722010-05-05T15:30:44.927-07:002010-05-05T15:30:44.927-07:00I am sad to hear that someone with an education in...I am sad to hear that someone with an education in owls has been disrespected, and that trying to get real facts across to the people in that chat room has been so difficult.<br /><br />The statement from one of the mods,"This is about the owls...let's keep it that way" made my jaw drop.<br /><br />Just goes to show that there is no reasoning with someone who is making it so NOT about owls. If it were about the owls, then everyone would be trying to find expert opinions about barn owls. The opinions of those that work with them daily in rehab, the veterinarians, etc.<br /><br />Somewhere along the line Carlos decided that the little he knew about owls was good enough. I know many people like that, who are quick to make up their minds about something, and find it difficult to be open to another way.<br /><br />The world is full of people like this, and the world has people who see a problem and chose to do something about it. Stacey is right, a law needs to be passed and then enforced. Many voices that don't go away pointed at the top banana.<br /><br />Unfortunately, as we all know, it can take years for change. We would all benefit from a few courses in human psychology. It certainly is easier to change behaviors in a dog. <br /><br />Carlos has said that he isn't doing this for the public again. I will continue to give the owlbox my attention, but I am not expecting to see any more changes made. I will interject concern where needed.<br /><br />For those that are concerned about the misinformation given to school children. There is misinformation everywhere you turn. Books can be outdated, information on the internet incorrect. I have heard Carlos repeatedly say he was not an expert and that he didn't know. If a child is serious about owls, they will seek out correct information.<br /><br />I live in Glen Rock, PA, and I am interested in promoting the type housing the Barn Owl Trust is using. That would have to go hand in hand with the discontinuation of rodent poison used by farmers in my area. That is where I can try to make a difference in my community.<br /><br />I thank someone in the chat room for showing me the link to The Barn Owl Trust. Now I will share that site and information with everyone who wants to listen. I will contact the bird box builders in my area, and try to get them on board. I am even thinking the blue bird boxes I have up could use some changes. It must be an oven in there. Maybe I will yank mine off the fences between clutches and add some ventilation.<br /><br />I hope there will be success for Molly's owlets. Any box or housing that I erect in the future will be thoroughly thought about. Sure, many birds have survived using the boxes that are out there, many haven't. Why not increase the chances? Their lives are difficult enough.<br /><br />There is now another Victoria who posted on this blog, so I have added a B to my name.<br /><br />Thank you Stacey for allowing me a place to share.Victoria Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01583275033841088343noreply@blogger.com