tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post8213707460995701765..comments2024-03-21T00:31:29.186-07:00Comments on Stacey O'Brien : Wesley the Owl: I'm out of town, sorry no blog until tomorrow afternoon..Stacey O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03821047137548565006noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-36113635257831641252010-04-30T18:40:39.088-07:002010-04-30T18:40:39.088-07:00Stacey, hope you are doing well. It was nice to me...Stacey, hope you are doing well. It was nice to meet you in Julian, next time your in the area, contact me. We got an RV we use as a guest house in the backyard, lol. Only 35 min from Julian.<br />Anyways, I would like your thought on this link:<br /> http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/content_images/pdf/Polebox_design_50.pdf from the barn owl trust site as well as this one:<br />http://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/infopage.html?Id=42<br /><br />I'm not understanding why they are advocating these boxes on poles ???<br />All of your knowledge and experience makes sense to me. Although owls are different as we are learning new things from Molly & McGee. I'm not understanding why the Barn Owl Trust as such links.<br />Mahalo nui loa!Kathlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07619828931539035352noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-69019494422634735052010-04-30T10:16:32.449-07:002010-04-30T10:16:32.449-07:00Just an update - Stacey was in the mainchatroom on...Just an update - Stacey was in the mainchatroom on Molly's video stream this morning. It was so nice to see her. Sounds like she is doing more traveling, so let's wish her safe travels!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-41171749890707638882010-04-30T02:18:45.964-07:002010-04-30T02:18:45.964-07:00Hi Stacey,
I've just finished reading "W...Hi Stacey,<br /><br />I've just finished reading "Wesley", I'm a big Owl fan and my Mother bought me a copy as a gift. I slowly fell in love with Wesley and by the end was in tears for you both! I'm a "big tough" six foot bloke so this was a bit of a first for me!<br /><br />What a fanastic story and what a lovely person you are - not to mention what a character Wesley was!<br /><br />I just wanted to say howdy and how much I liked your book.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />Andy WiltonUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09761696463758098301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-44190064594286866622010-04-29T18:12:51.002-07:002010-04-29T18:12:51.002-07:00Perhaps wiser, more experienced owls have passed t...<i>Perhaps wiser, more experienced owls have passed this box up due do its poor location (no place to fledge, no cover, in full sun, standing stark in the open).</i><br /><br />Poster, I'm glad you brought that up. I've witnessed several chatters say that Molly wouldn't have picked the box if it wasn't a good choice. Their statements make me want to scream, because I've personally witnessed time and again the disastrous results of poor nesting location choices by songbirds around my home. Wild creatures are not exempt from making "mistakes".<br /><br />Stacey, what are your thoughts on this? <br /><br />It is such a shame about the bizarre turn the whole experience has taken lately, thanks in large part to the disturbing actions of some of the chat moderators. Still, I ultimately don't fault the Royals and will continue to check in on Molly and her family.<br /><br />Susan from MichiganUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18252820083524533659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-10388956503168280012010-04-29T17:56:46.340-07:002010-04-29T17:56:46.340-07:00Anamartina - you are right, last night I paid clos...Anamartina - you are right, last night I paid closer attention to Owl Box 2 and the still pictures taken at night and that branch isn't visible in either. I think it's farther away and not visible in the zoomed in views. But on that picture I posted, it sure looks like it's resting on the porch. The angle of the picture is so important.<br /><br />I don't want to argue with people and cause Stacey stress - so I will end with saying that we all have the same goal - successful fledging of these 4 owlets. I will hope and pray for it to happen one way or another. I hope Skyhunters gets back to Charlotte with their opinion, I'm sure someone there can look at the pictures, and view the outside shot on Ustream and decide if more needs to be done. <br /><br />As for the banning in the chatroom, I guess I can't speak to that - I was just going by what Carlos has said when he speaks. He said he's gotten the "you've been banned" message and been locked out. Others have gotten it too. But in the end, I am not a moderator there, so I don't really know if some of them have taken matters into their own hands. Some are more uptight than others -that's for sure. <br /><br />Instead of arguing with each other - let's send all of our positive energy to the owlets in the various owl boxes (Molly's, Owlivia's and now Fluffy and Buddy) for positive outcomes so these beautiful birds can grace California!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-1704329742579353722010-04-29T16:30:00.428-07:002010-04-29T16:30:00.428-07:00Lynn,
Thank you for your links. While painful to ...Lynn,<br /><br />Thank you for your links. While painful to see photos of owlets who've had unsuccessful fledgings, it's a wake up call to everyone who has installed owl boxes or are planning to.<br /><br />In regard to the type box you described with the hop up pole and raised entrance/exit, you will see a fine example of a box with an owl sitting currently on her eggs:<br /><br />http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nicasio-owl<br /><br />Take note of the interior space which will allow these owlets to stretch their wings, practice flapping and they'll have to learn to hop and use their wings while inside the box before they can fledge. <br /><br />I cannot take the M/M main chat. There are people purposely exiting that chat to get into overflow so they are not under the bizarre mentality of the moderators and the regular chatters who've drank the Kool-aid. My significant other who loved to watch the cam no longer does so. The view is horrible during the day and there is no view inside at night anymore. It's even a wonder to me that anyone tunes in anymore. It must be morbid curiosity like seeing a car crash about to happen and being unable to look away.<br /><br />I have seen many declarations that this is probably Molly's first clutch and this is the first time the box has been occupied though it was installed two years ago. Perhaps wiser, more experienced owls have passed this box up due do its poor location (no place to fledge, no cover, in full sun, standing stark in the open). Now we have four babies inside with what appears to be a less than ideal setting for them to return.<br /><br />If anyone has been watching the Starr Ranch owlets, they leave to hunt and come back all through the night and use their hatching place to sleep during the day. Will we see this happen with the M/M owlets? If nothing changes and they aren't given something better to fledge, this is going to be horrific to watch. Maybe Carlos can install a cam toward the ground so his 10 millionth coveted viewer can watch what will certainly be a struggle for life.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-72664376468348177942010-04-29T16:20:46.430-07:002010-04-29T16:20:46.430-07:00Hi stacy,
Enjoy your blog and hope you're get...Hi stacy,<br /><br />Enjoy your blog and hope you're getting the rest you need.<br /><br />I would urge you to contact Carlos directly with your concerns and constructive suggestions. Don't know him personally but he seems reasonable and well-meaning. And, as you say, he is willing to learn as he goes.<br /><br />Take care of yourself and best wishes.Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08911955672613961689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-45699086624313518662010-04-29T12:33:49.065-07:002010-04-29T12:33:49.065-07:00BTW, Joy and Doug's photo looks like an optica...BTW, Joy and Doug's photo looks like an optical illusion caused by the angle of the photo. There is no branch that rests against the porch. You can see that there isn't when the outside night cam is on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-31162886877060760002010-04-29T12:28:10.663-07:002010-04-29T12:28:10.663-07:00You go girl! But get your rest too : ) I've ...You go girl! But get your rest too : ) I've almost had to stop following the chat on Molly's box because of the people who say "What do the 'experts' know. If we just think happy/positive thoughts everything will be ok . . . yadayadayada" I consider you to be the voice of reason and you certainly cut concisely through the worthless chatter with valid and reasonable arguments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-680840070014250322010-04-29T10:40:36.096-07:002010-04-29T10:40:36.096-07:00I agree, Eagle Eye. You take care of yourself, St...I agree, Eagle Eye. You take care of yourself, Stacey. We are all limited in all kinds of ways when it comes to being able to influence the outcome of this owl family and others. <br /><br />My students are heading into professions with high rates of "burnout," and I give them the following quotation (which I consider BOTH a call to action AND a reminder that factors outside our control determine what we can and can't do at any given time):<br /><br />"Do all you can, with what you have, in the time you have, where you are."Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04463934414218231971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-27571708057101595492010-04-29T08:31:58.263-07:002010-04-29T08:31:58.263-07:00Hey Stacey, you take care of your self first befor...Hey Stacey, you take care of your self first before you can help others and IGNORE the "arm chair" biologists" the so called "I read" ones. No one has any idea about what they are talking about, we who Live with the wildlife and have spent YEAR's observing the wild ones know what we know so just ignore the ignorant. Take care honey and will be in touchEagle Eyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06579657297776732306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-53933066634096128332010-04-29T00:38:39.749-07:002010-04-29T00:38:39.749-07:00Oh golly... I don't really want to overload th...Oh golly... I don't really want to overload this string of comments, but I can't resist making a couple of observations... I will try to keep it brief because I know you've been reading for DAYS now... First, I've only "known" you and the other professional in question since mid-February (and I put known in quotes, because I only know you both from online) but I think I have a pretty good hold on the types of people you are and I wonder if there's just a mis-communication somewhere because I've never gotten the impression that he's trying to profit unscrupulously. He said tonight that the only reason he put the box where he did in Carlos' yard is that he knew that the immature tree would eventually grow to be big enough and that Carlos wanted it close enough so that the video cable would reach inside... I'm really not sure that doesn't sound reasonable to me, but I understand the arguments about fledging branches and the lack thereof... I'm just not sure if this is one of those cases. I know this person to be a caring nature lover, and I just don't think this characterization fits the person I've come to know. If I'm wrong, I would really like to know, but I will feel duped. <br /><br />Perhaps it's just a simple matter of educating the homeowner on their continued responsibility once they install a box and further steps that need to be taken to insure it's success (but I'm not sure he doesn't do that now)... I just think communication is always the key... Stacey... you and this person have become so prominent and respected in Molly's box not to try to work together for a solution... the world would hear! Please rest and take care of yourself ((hugs)) -Liana <br /><br />(ok, so I wrote a book, I'm sorry, I just had to get that off my chest... forgive me)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17315880129734520940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-38300446251501159892010-04-28T22:22:51.479-07:002010-04-28T22:22:51.479-07:00Joy and Doug said, "Andrea - the only time an...Joy and Doug said, "Andrea - the only time anyone has been banned from main chat is if they are spamming the site or using bad language."<br /><br />Incorrect. I got banned from the M/M for questioning the 501(c)3 status and relationship of the San Marcos Community Foundation with the Royals, who'd stated emphatically that a portion of all donations would be devoted to it for some unclear purpose. Fact. (The affiliation copy with SMCF on the landing page itself curiously vanished afterward.)<br /><br />No spamming. No bad language. Only direct questions, and at least one other professional I've been in contact with has been banned from the chat for same. <br /><br />Btw, there's a notice upon attempting to sign back in to the chat that reads, "You have been banned," which pretty much makes it clear that it's not a Ustream issue but a mod declaration.msghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07736382747807789830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-20727156137146357502010-04-28T20:36:48.181-07:002010-04-28T20:36:48.181-07:00Stacey I pray that you're feeling more rested ...Stacey I pray that you're feeling more rested and that all the spirited dialog happening here on your blog (and your need and desire to be engaged with it) in NO way translates to any degree of stress for you. That's what I worry about. 4 waking hours seems hardly enough to hold all that's in your heart to share with the world each day. We are SO blessed. PLEASE take gentle care..Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00832374626156409741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-54704723306952318082010-04-28T19:39:58.840-07:002010-04-28T19:39:58.840-07:00Sorry - my last response was to maizyb, not Andrea...Sorry - my last response was to maizyb, not Andrea. Though Andrea I'm glad you enjoyed the book - I loved it too - great read!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-5089966000677851172010-04-28T19:38:18.475-07:002010-04-28T19:38:18.475-07:00Andrea - the only time anyone has been banned from...Andrea - the only time anyone has been banned from main chat is if they are spamming the site or using bad language. People have trouble logging into the main chat all the time. Carlos has been unable to get in, mods have been unable to get in. Since Stacey neither spams the site or using bad language - she would not have been banned. I have had to refresh 20 -30 times to get into the main chatroom many times. The Ustream software is very buggy as a whole. There was one point today I was not able to log onto the chat room at either Molly or Owlivia's site. It's been happening a lot lately also, where people can read, but they can't log in to post. It's a Ustream issue - Carlos and the mods have no control.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-79832903713064953662010-04-28T19:28:29.154-07:002010-04-28T19:28:29.154-07:00Just finished "Wesley the Owl" last nigh...Just finished "Wesley the Owl" last night, and passed it on to my co-teachers today. We got interested in the Molly web-cam via a blog I read, and the toddlers and preschoolers in our small child care center have been checking in daily. One of our very youngest toddlers has progressed from "Whooo-Whoooo" to "Check Owl! Check Owl!" We have borrowed lots of books from the library, and tomorrow a rehab specialist is coming to visit with an owl who was injured and lives at the rehab center.<br /><br />Before I left tonight I copied some photos of owls from the library books and set them up on our light table with plain paper on top for the kids to draw on tomorrow. This has become a subject of great interest to children and adults alike.<br /><br />Your story was riveting, funny, sweet, sad, spiritual, and such a joy to read. Thank you for recording so many details of your life with Wesley, and sharing so much of what you learned. I will be thinking about The Way of the Owl for some time to come.<br /><br />I look forward to reading more here.<br /><br />Best, Andrea in VermontAndreahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08530907405909262201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-44079969877969800042010-04-28T16:46:20.493-07:002010-04-28T16:46:20.493-07:00Joy annd Doug, I can't speak for Charlotte, bu...Joy annd Doug, I can't speak for Charlotte, but I'd understand if she did think what Carlos has done is not enough and too much at the same time. Carlos has stated he will not put up a perch system. So the owls are still left without a place to safely fly to from their box, and have no way to return to it once they're out. <br />How is what he HAS done too much? There's no way to do what he did, getting up on a ladder and screwing (I HOPE it wasn't nailing!)an appendage to an INHABITED owl box without disturbing them. Is it a coincidence that Molly left it then? Maybe, but I doubt it. And then there's the flash camera for those night shots. Don't get me started...<br />As for Stacey contacting him personally, it would be wonderful if that could happen.... if he's open enough to listen to her. I was disturbed the other night, though, to hear that she. too, had been banned from the main chat. Maybe it's just a rumor. I hope so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-14382133277129162752010-04-28T16:22:55.124-07:002010-04-28T16:22:55.124-07:00Oh and I should have said in regards to Stacey con...Oh and I should have said in regards to Stacey contacting Carlos - I think Carlos would listen to Stacey herself. Just because he didn't listen to one of the 5000 chatters that have entered that chatroom over the last 2 months doesn't mean he won't listen to Stacey. She is knowledgable and well-spoken. I'm sure they could have a very good conversation either in voice or written word.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-10912217038453980052010-04-28T16:20:10.241-07:002010-04-28T16:20:10.241-07:00Charlotte - one thing we can agree on is that we w...Charlotte - one thing we can agree on is that we want what is best for the owls. I guess I am just not assuming that because he hasn't consulted Stacey or Skyhunters (and we really don't know that he hasn't consulted them) doesn't mean that who he did consult doesn't have just as much expertise as those experts. Many experts differ in opinion. If you want your opinion considered, you have to offer it in a way that makes it seem most credible. Making snide comments about the person you are trying to get to listen to you (Stacey has not done that, I am talking about the some of the chatters) is not the way to go.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-77650767886525169792010-04-28T15:09:48.868-07:002010-04-28T15:09:48.868-07:00Joy and Doug.. what I hope most for these dear owl...Joy and Doug.. what I hope most for these dear owlets and their devoted parents is that Carlos and Donna consult with Sky Hunters, Stacey or ANY other legitimate, licensed and/or credentialed OWL or raptor EXPERTS before making any further changes. I, too, have 2 similar boxes that are up 12' and 15' poles. Now that I have learned what I was not aware of before about the fledging needs, I have a responsibility to provide for those needs. Why would I not want to obtain input and design my solution around the advice of a leading owl expert? Why would I DIScount that experts' advice when it is so freely and respectfully given? In the end when all the arguments and differences of opinion are behind us, it is the owlets safety and the well being of the entire barn owl family that we're concerned with, really, isn't it?Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00832374626156409741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-45518578856314421432010-04-28T14:43:48.419-07:002010-04-28T14:43:48.419-07:00Charlotte - do you want him to install perches so ...Charlotte - do you want him to install perches so they can fledge or don't you? He trusted someone to install the box correctly - whe he was informed it may not be good enough he made changes. Now those changes aren't good enough for you - but yet you think it's too much change - that doesn't even make sense! You can't have it both ways. Molly's owlets are thriving and just fine. Owlivia is no longer roosting with her brood either. The day Molly left the next I found sources from all over the world that said it was normal for a mother owl to start roosting outside the nest when the youngest owlet is 3 weeks old. Does that mean they all do it - no, but this owl did. When Carlos installed the porch Stacey herself said it was a good start - now you are saying he shouldn't have done it? Color me confused.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-20388506615150488352010-04-28T13:42:05.068-07:002010-04-28T13:42:05.068-07:00I imagine MANY of us are looking forward to Stacey...I imagine MANY of us are looking forward to Stacey and Nancy's input about the picture of the new platform and the entire area around the nest box. When I think back to the part of Stacey's book when she described how her Wesley attacked her HAIR when she simply changed the way she wore it I am DEVASTATED for these owl parents. Carlos has admitted that Molly was IN the nest box the day he attached the dowel-porch. Was it a coincidence that she stopped roosting in there the NEXT day? I can't believe that picture is not more troubling to viewers. For a few it is even a source of comfort.. that Carlos is doing the right thing. It frightened the heck out of me!!I call that picture "Nightmare on Royal's street"Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00832374626156409741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-72218602828008456812010-04-28T13:30:51.786-07:002010-04-28T13:30:51.786-07:00Charlotte, I agree with everything you said. I wa...Charlotte, I agree with everything you said. I was able to communicate directly with both Donna and Carlos a couple of days before ustream blocked my access to the main chat room on M/M. The Royals answered my concerns by saying they were "looking into it," and both of them clearly did not appreciate having anyone ask persistently about the perch situation.<br /><br />I tried and tried to get some "authoritative" attention by PMing the "mods" in that chat, and was especially careful to be respectful, but they were defensive, belligerent and finally...threatening (threatened to have my access blocked permanently, which they finally did).<br /><br />I also respectfully questioned the mods about the "rules" for the chat--questioning why mentions of O/O owlbox were being suppressed, when the rules stated that chat about ALL owls was appropriate. This, too, was met with hostility.<br /><br />I think it is very interesting to view both these boxes because they're in same area, at the same time, and with chicks the same age. Fascinating differences in maternal behavior, and viewers of O/O have noticed the behavior of those chicks is different from those in M/M in interesting ways.<br /><br />I agree that the main chat room in the M/M site has many features we associate with cults. Among other features, there is harsh suppression of "unwanted" viewpoints or questions that challenge established authority. <br />What a waste of an opportunity to observe, share and educate.<br /><br />Oh, well, at least we have this forum---and thanks for providing it, Stacey!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04463934414218231971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2389421550592866269.post-36749924740981815082010-04-28T13:17:24.617-07:002010-04-28T13:17:24.617-07:00Charlotte - I'm glad that you sent that pictur...Charlotte - I'm glad that you sent that picture to Skyhunters to get their opinion. I have no idea if that is sturdy enough or not. I could be wrong, but I don't think Stacey has seen the new set up yet either because he just put it up Friday I think and she has been without internet. <br /><br />As for Carlos - I don't see him as much of a bad guy as you are making him out to be. If he had refused to make any changes - I would agree, but he has. He just didn't make the exact type of perch that Stacey explained. He may have never seen that if he doesn't read the blog. He did consult references when making what he did, so sometimes you have to make a judgement into what reference you give more credibility to if you have two sources giving differing opinions. If Carlos didn't care, he wouldn't have changed a thing. Whatever happens I hope the fledgin is a success - though I am prepared for it not to be, no matter what changes are made because this is nature and it doesn't always have a happy ending.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00001458231780711981noreply@blogger.com