“Potted Plant Owls”

A family of owls, affectionately called the Potted Plant Owls have taken up residence in a potted plant on the the balcony of South African couple Allen and Tracy. Their natural habitat is under threat, as housing developers plan to build on the neighboring wetland, effectively destroying the owls’ remaining hunting ground.

Allan and Tracy are using the Potted Plant Owl “Africam” to grow awareness and support for this wonderful cause. You can view it here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/africam-potted-plant-owl

You can also sign and share the petition to preserve the owls’ habitat at the following link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/4/save-the-wetlands/

The owls themselves are amazing creatures, and we have already begun to observe their nesting process, as they are expected to lay eggs any day now. Ustream will provide LIVE coverage of the entire process from the initial egg laying, to the fledgling of the chicks from the nest. Over the next sixty to seventy days, viewers have a rare window of opportunity to see nature’s beauty at work! The cam will start streaming live on September 3rd at 3am PT/6am ET at the following link: http://www.ustream.tv/africam-potted-plant-owl

The schedule below will give you a general idea of the exciting events to come!

Laying & Incubation – It takes 7-8 days for all the eggs to be laid. The eggs are incubated for about 30 days
Hatching – All eggs hatch more of less the same time. The owl chicks start to open their eyes at approximately two weeks old. It’s lovely to watch the chicks trying to focus on objects around them!
Exploring – About 30 days after hatching, the chicks become more active and adventurous. They want to explore all day and night. They start moving around a lot more, flapping their wings, playing with objects in the pot, and standing on the lip of the pot.
Flying – When they have the strength to get back to the balcony, the chicks keep flying off the balcony and coming back. In the wild, this doesn’t usually occur because the nests are closer to the ground, and are therefore closer to danger.
Fledging – Last year, the owls stayed for 57 days before they left the nest. It’s always bitter sweet to say goodbye!