Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Second nesting attempt for PPO

PPO is nesting again. She started with an egg last Monday, and a second egg on Wednesday. We half expected to find a third egg on Saturday, but it wasn't to be.

I'm not sure if these eggs will be viable. We noticed very little copulating and frantic activity which is usually evident at this stage of the pre-breeding season.

For the moment, we have decided not to turn the webcam back on, until we know for sure that there is a family with chicks to watch. A lesson that I have learned these past few months is that it is heart-breaking watching PPO sit faithfully on eggs that we all knew were not viable (and ended up not being fertilised). We will spare any angst and only switch the camera back on when the right time comes.

Will let you know what happens!
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13 comments:

  1. skygirlblueNovember 13, 2012 at 9:26 AM

    This is wonderful and truly amazing!!! It will be interesting to see what the outcome will be. I certainly don't want her to sit for 30 days again if they aren't viable, that's for sure.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the # of times you have witnessed copulation. There are some bird species that are able to store sperm for several weeks and all eggs are fertilized from that one "package" of sperm. I have NO clue what "talents" a Spotted eagle owl has in that area, though.

    I look forward to your future updates!!

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  2. scyllabubNovember 13, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    Thank you so much for the good news, Tracy - at least, I hope it turns out well for PPO and she doesn't have to go thru another long, futile incubation.

    I'm grateful that you've made the decision to "wait and see" before turning on the cam, the failure of the last clutch was so painful to watch, but one had to support dear PPO until the end.

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  3. grrammyNovember 13, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Thank you for the update! I have checked the blog every day, and will keep hoping for the cams to be turned back on - showing new additions to the family!

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  4. Diane RNovember 13, 2012 at 12:15 PM

    Thanks so much for the update. Let us see what happens. Most important is that they are both well and healthy, and safe!

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  5. MissBibafNovember 14, 2012 at 5:13 AM

    Thank you for the update Tracy. I hope that we will be able to enjoy these wonderful creatures again. ♥

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  6. DianneNovember 14, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Thanks for the update. Have been watching the blog regularly for word of PPO. Hope to see the cam back on soon and that things work out for the PPO family this year.

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  7. UnknownNovember 14, 2012 at 12:40 PM

    Thank you for the latest news. I hope all the best for PPO. Maybe we will have an oportunity to watch PPO, Pappa and 2 little owls. So we will wait with you what happens in the nest.

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  8. mrshbNovember 15, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Dearest Tracy,
    I have been keeping an eye on your blog to see how my favorite owlies are doing. What a surprise! Yes, we will all wait and see what happens. I just want PPO and Pappa happy and well. Then if we we get little babies I wish the same for them! Hugs! Love to all...

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  9. AmandaNovember 16, 2012 at 10:48 AM

    Tracy, I too have been watching the blog for news and thanks so much for the update. I was hoping to hear that the owls were hanging around so 2 new eggs is even better. Good decision about when to turn the cam on. Hope to see babies in a month!

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  10. julrichNovember 18, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    Tracy,
    Thank you so much for this good news. Hopefully we will have owlets in a month. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

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  11. mandozeeNovember 23, 2012 at 5:54 PM

    Tracy: thanks for the update, it was so hard to watch last time better to keep the cam off I think untill there is a hatching or two. I will check the blog for updates, so please keep us posted on anything new. mandozee1888

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  12. joeyandkealaniNovember 30, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    HI Tracy!!! Wow this is amazing!!!! I think thats a good idea about turning on the cams. I hope you are well and I sure miss you!!! How is Allan? Ill bookmark your blog and check in for updates now that there is some action!! Amazing!!! Happy Holidays and lots of hugs!!! Caboval

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  13. dskyyksdDecember 3, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    Not to strain hope, but I was wondering about a possible hatch date. Based on the dates Tracy gave us, it sound to me like December 7th is about right. Is this correct?

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