Poem from FloridaSkye

12:31 FloridaSkye: A Poem by FloridaSkye
12:31 FloridaSkye: Chatting with you has been a delight
12:31 FloridaSkye: It has sometimes made my cares seem light.
12:31 FloridaSkye: I'll find you again so all will be right.
12:32 FloridaSkye: Now FloridaSkye wishes you all a good night.
12:32 FloridaSkye: ##

Curiosity Kitten and Elf

The Chat will remain up!

Last night as we were all saying our sad goodbyes on chat I realized how close we have all become. We have shared each other's joy, sorrow, laughter and tears. We watched the miracle of life through two beautiful barn owls. We have encouraged and motivated each other and just plain been there for each other. We are a place you can go to get a kind word and acceptance. I cannot tell you how many countless smiles you gave me as I came into the chatroom only to be greeted by hearts, hugs, and the unconditional love I felt from everyone. This quote from Chatterchopz to her mom Dotrot sums it all up as to why the chat is staying up!

Chatterchopz said, "Mom, The chat folks love me. My family loves me but they have to 'cause they're family. The folks at church love me, but God says that they have to, but these folks love me just 'cause I'm me."

Bear and Willow in the Love Shack!

Last night Bear had fun hopping in and out of the old box minus the front door! He also practiced his defensive skills attacking the camera in there! At 10:30 he brought a treat into the Love Shack and called Willow! She came at her convenience, took the treat and they bonded! They went in and out numerous times so I think it is safe to say they aren't too upset with the eviction notice! It was a tough call for Gary and I to make as we only want what's best for Bear and Willow! At times last night I was having horrible second thoughts. But when we reviewed the video from last night I feel much better! Not to mention I prayed all night!! Transcript of the 911 call Bear made to report stolen property will be released tomorrow!

NOTICE OF EVICTION!

TO: Bear and Willow Grylls
Due to the fact that we found a gopher and a rabbit in the old box this morning, we are assuming that your plan to start a second clutch is imminent. A new and improved residence
complete with personalized home decor has been provided you. To assist you in your move ( much like you assisted little Elf when you knocked him off his perch) we have removed your front door to the old box hoping this will encourage you to make the transition! Thank you for your understanding! Your Landlords, Gary and Jill

Elf's first day out of the box!

This morning about 5:30 I watched Elf fly from the eave of our roof to the pine tree. He acted like he was going to head for the box but instead flew off! I think the other owlets were calling him to stay in the 'big boy tree' today!

Thank you Couleedam for this great shot!

My letter to Elf

Dear Elf, When you hatched you were the last of eight eggs and weren't expected to make it. I woke up every morning and hurried to the computer to see if you were still here. I remember you boldly grabbing the first treat of the night and running with it underneath Noelle! When I watched you try to drag a rabbit twice your size I knew you meant business and that you were going to make it! When we rescued you from our backyard and got to be upclose to you meant so much to me. You were beautiful! You weren't even that afraid of us. I think you knew that you could trust us! You were brave when Gary climbed 16 feet up the ladder with you to put you back into the box. Last night when Bear knocked you out of the tree we knew he meant well; he just knew it was time for you to learn to fly and be on your own soon. You were a trooper though! We watched you through the window pretend as though you wanted to be on the fence all along! To see you take your first flight took my breath away. I was so proud. I know now that I may only have a few more days with you. You will soon learn to soar silently through the night. You will find a mate and have owlets of your own. I wonder if you know how many hearts you touched? Some would say you are just an owl. I say you are my gift from God. Please be safe and come visit often. Maybe someday one of your owlets will stay in our bathroom! Thank you for the wonderful memories. You will be in my heart forever. I love you little Elf! Jill

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Elf's First Flight!

Tonight about 8pm Bear knocked Elf from the tree, we heard him fall and ran to the window to look out with the night vision Gary has. He was on the fence, probably a little stunned. A few minutes later, he walked along the fence, hopped onto the arbor and practiced hopping back and forth. Then he flew about 10 feet to a little garden shed roof! At this point I think he was pretty pleased with himself as he then did mini flights to the fence and back to garden shed roof! Suddenly Willow appears and lands next to him on the fence! She hopped to the bird feeder and back to Elf. Then Elf showed her that he could do that too! Gary and I meanwhile are in awe at what we are witnessing. Elf then flies about 12 feet to the pine tree and works his way back into the box! Although it seemed mean at the time that Bear did that, we think he knew Elf needed to be pushed "literally" in order to get ready to fledge. Gary and I will never, ever forget what we got to see tonight!!

Elf waits until daylight to go back into the box!

This morning Elf waited until daylight to go back into the box. I think he knows we are all watching him and he wanted to show off a bit! A week ago today, he was in our bathroom! Thank you Couleedam for this screen shot!

Bear and Elf on the branch

Bear seems in a great hurry to get the owlets out of the box and on their own. At times he seems to be guarding the box entrance so no one can get back in! Elf is waiting until Bear isn't looking! Thank you Hundon for this great screen shot!

Vacadude's Cartoon of Elf in the bathroom!

By Myself? In here? Alone? Can I at least have some toys?

Elf being returned to the box

Elf came out last night!

This morning we woke up to find Elf in our yard! We know it's him as he is the only owlet left with fluff! We called our rescue lady and because it will be over 90 degrees today, we decided to put him in a quiet room of the house! He is now sleeping soundly in my nice Smith & Hawkens basket in our spare bathroom! Don't worry guys, we left the nightlight on for him. Tonight we will return him to the box. Had we returned him this morning, we would have risked scaring the others out. Just for comparison, the top photo is Bear and Willow's only surviving owlet from last year that also ended up in our yard! Bottom photo is Elf, taken this morning! I think Elf is saying: "Where's my stroller?"

All Six Owlets Taken Yesterday

First Treat in the Love Shack?

At 2:42 this morning, Bear brought Willow a rat in the Love Shack! Is Bear already planning for a second clutch? This year is the 4th year we have watched Bear and Willow and so far they have never had two clutches in one season. Thank you LoneStarStateTX for this picture! I think this is a Kangaroo Rat!

Reason for Cam View Change!

This morning we woke up to find one of the owlets in the Love Shack. It may be Noelle wanting her own bedroom? Since the original cam in the main box has become so dirty with fluff and stuff it seemed a good idea to just switch cams! You can still go to www.ustream.tv/channel/garye to view the outside cam! Wonder what the reaction will be tonight when Mama Bear and Papa Bear arrive to find Goldilocks sleeping in their Love Shack!

UPDATE: A little before 2 pm, she left the box. Maybe back with other owlets or in one of many trees outside this box!

Six Beautiful Owlets

Gary took this video yesterday with his helmet cam! These are LoneStarStateTX best guesses at who's who! Thank you LoneStar!

For some days now, after keeping track of the owlets inside and outside the box, we think there is a good possibility that we only have 6 owls in the box at this time. The feathered remains of what appeared to be an owlet were found in the field near the house, and it appeared to have been there for some time. If this indeed was one of our owlets, many things could have happened; it could have gotten sick, or it could have had problems since hatching. Please realize the uncertainty in all of this, as there is absolutely no way to know who it is, or how it happened. The size points to it being one of the younger ones, although many think they are still seeing Elf. Although this is hard, we have to trust nature and her ways. We like to know everything, but also must realize sometimes there are no easy answers, and sometimes no answers at all. Please keep this in perspective, and continue to be positive, both personally and in chat, and be thankful for all of our healthy owlets that we continue to enjoy and love, and that have been given every chance for survival in a difficult world for them today.

New Box Gets Stamp of Approval from Bear and Willow

Last night at 9:00 Bear went into the new box. He looked around and chittered to Willow who joined him! As they bond, the third owl brings food to the owlets. Gary and I witnessed this while watching both boxes simultaneously. Later in the night we saw them again in the box, bonding! Willow was admiring the mural on the wall. They seemed pleased and I think I heard them asking each other: "Was Extreme Home Makeover Owlbox Edition here?"

I think the new box should be named, The Love Shack!

Both of them are in the Palm Tree next to the Pine Tree today.

New box

Gary and I decided to go ahead and put the new box up now. It seems the owlets are having a hard time getting back in the box, and with bad weather approaching we feel this will give them a safe haven until they master flying as this is way easier to get into right from the tree branches. As soon as all the babies fledge, we will take down the old box.

New Box complete with ladder!

The new box is done! It is bigger than the other one and has a porch and ladder for easier access. It also has better cams!

Baby Bear's Day Out!

Gary went outside this afternoon for a last chance shot of the two owlets in the tree! I am in awe of their beauty! Thank you God for these beautiful owls You loaned to us!

Am I beautiful or what!

First day out of the box Sweet Peeps seems to be doing fine with all the songbirds keeping her company! Wonder what she is thinking?

Baby Bear and Sweet Peeps

Caboval came out and we quietly tooks some pictures from underneath our patio! They seem to be quite content and relaxed! Thank you Caboval!

April 6th 2011 Two owlets sleeping in the tree today

This morning Noelle, Sweet Peeps and Baby Bear were all in the pine tree! Noelle went back in the box but the other two did not. So they are both sleeping in the pine tree for the day! So much for the projects we had going out there, it will have to wait! I can watch them both from my bathroom window!!!

Birthday Cake!!!!!

Happy Birthday Jill!!!! We love you!!!!

April Fools!!!!!!!

Curiosity Kitten's pony Cara came over today for a playdate with Elf. Elfwanted Cara to pull him around in the stroller like a horse drawn carriagebut Cara politely declined. When Elf tried to share his snack with her, shejust pretended to nibble on the tiny mice so as not to offend him. She alsodidn't point out the fact that a hork was resting just below his bib either!

Picture of the Owlets!

Peek a Boo!!

Gary and Brer

Gary and Brer kitty!

Jill's Poem for Elf!

My name is little Elf and I'm the tiniest of eight.
As far as odds go my chances weren't too great.
My strategy is simple: when I hear the dinner bell,
I grab a bite and quickly hide underneath Noelle.
I know I am so mighty,
I’m the star of the show!
Stepped and horked and trod upon,
I'm your little hero!
So when I am all grownup
And ready to leave the box,
I hope to be just like my Dad
Because he truly rocks!

Youngest Owlet Elf!!!

Awe such a sweet little guy!!!

Look at the size difference! Amazing!

Caption Contest!

Enter to win this stamp by Jill by naming a caption for this photo! Deadline is March 4th. Email your entries to imburner.ge@gmail.com.

Winner will be announced on March 7th! Good luck!!!

Gary and the Owlet

This is Willow and Bear's only surviving owlet from 2010

The Rainbow Bridge

We have lost an owl . Thank you Vacadude for this beautiful drawing of "The Rainbow Bridge"

And a thank you goes out to our many chatters today with their well wishes, thank you for being a part of all of this!!!

Brer Rabbit and Jill

In memory of Brer Rabbit, Jills 19 year old cat. This was taken at Big Bear Lake.

#7 Hatch Twig is Hatched!

Thank you Tresbien for this fantastic shot of the 7 babies! Twig was hatched this morning at 6:20am PST

#6 Sparrow has hatched!

Thank you Melissa60 for this awesome screen shot!!!

"His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me."

Noelle Swallows a Mouse!!!!

Noelle swallows a mouse whole!!! You can see the tail and leg sticking out of her mouth!!!! Yahoo its a milestone!!!!! Thank you couleedam for this great shot!!!!