Day 30 and the chicks are staying put...

Did anyone tell these chicks not to climb out of the pot plant?

It seems to me that the chicks got wind of the friendly wager PPO chatters have taken on what date the chicks will brave standing on the lip of the pot. This 'staying put' suits me because the date I chose is the 3rd November, which is in a couple of days time. Whoever told the chicks not to move, please remind them that Thursday is the time to start really exploring. 'Go on chicks, the 3rd is an excellent date to begin exploring'.

Pot Plant Owl is allowing herself more time away from her chicks. The past few mornings, viewers on the webcam have seen two cute chicks in the pot plant - often without PPO.

Some of the time, she dozes in the far pot plant or stands on the balcony railing. An hour later, we check on the chicks and find that PPO has disappeared. She's not on the balcony, or anywhere in sight. She'll leave the chicks completely alone for an hour or two, and then suddenly reappears.

It is fascinating to watch her, because I don't believe her actions are purely based on getting her own free time. From my observation of PPO over four years now, I can believe that PPO has an agenda - probably to teach the chicks to be on their own, or 'grow up' a bit. Don't you wish your parents did that when you were growing up?

On a sad note, I was told yesterday about owls that were killed at a school in Johannesburg. The act was deliberate and probably based on superstitions about owls. I have been asked to do a talk at that particular school to see if we can get through to at least some children.

To end on a happier note, there is a lovely article in the 'Birdwatching Magazine' in the UK about PPO - entitled "Potty Owls Gain Global Support." Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the 'global support' for these owls. We really appreciate each and every one of you!