PM Tues 23 Nov

We were sitting outside on the patio with a friend of ours, when all of a sudden, we heard that familiar hiss. Within seconds, one chick flew from a rooftop to the wall in front of us, and then another smaller chick - Teeny.

A storm was brewing, and the wind strength picked up. Still, we all sat outside - determined to make the most of this opportunity to see how our owl family was coping.

Coping is not the word I'd use to describe them now - thriving is more like it. Teeny now flies from grass to wall back down to the ground again, as if it were hopping to and from Teeny's Owl Box. We watched Teeny fly into our garden and walk along the grass. I can't begin to tell you how funny that looks! Jeli wasted no time in finding tasty king crickets in the neighbour's garden, and eating those. Jelani's flying skills are superb, but I do believe the 'Ace Pilot', is our Indie.

Pappa hooted and flew in to where Pot Plant Owl was standing on the roof. They exchanged a big rat, and PPO flew down to feed one of the chicks. I caught movement out of the corner of one eye, and was lucky enough to see Indie whizzing past, swooping down and then changing direction and flying left and up.

For a few minutes, we were lucky enough to see all 5 family members. What a thrill! Then one by one, our owl family left us again. Their departure this time, left me with a feeling of complete peacefulness.