Monday, October 31, 2011

POT PLANT OWLS & MAXDOG

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends around the world!

ONLY 3 WEEKS TO GO!!!
...before the publication of my book,


I can hardly believe that two years of hard work is finally coming to fruition.
If I think back, I would never have believed that this point was possible. In my mind, there were simply too many obstacles.  But it's here...finally...and I'm struggling to believe it.
In 21 days I will have the book in my hands: - my gesture of goodwill to my blogging friends and a tribute to my first heartdog,
I know it's going to be a tearful moment.

But life carries on, irrespective of achievements, downfalls, health, wealth or moods.  The sun rises and the sun sets.  This is the way of the world.

Our world saw some rather large thunderstorms over the weekend. My heart goes out to those without shelter during these times. Particularly my new feathered friends -  the Spotted Eagle Owls and especially the POT PLANT OWL.  Let me tell you a bit about them...

On Friday I went to meet Allan & Tracy Eccles.  They are the couple who have produced a very beautiful, 'must read' and 'must-have' book:

One of my very dear blogging friends, Val, from "MY BOO BEAR" (in the USA)  is one of the moderators in the Pot Plant owl "chat room".  She recently pointed me to their very friendly "chat room", and also suggested that I try and make contact with Allan & Tracy. Ironically this fabulous couple live only 6 kms from me. Yes, can you believe it:- a cyber-friend in America, suggesting that I visit her cyber-friend who happens to live just up the road from me, here in South Africa?  Lol!
The world sure is shrinking!

Anyway, this is an incredible project and I'd like to tell you a bit about it:


Four years ago, a Spotted Eagle Owl decided to make her nest in one of the potplants on Tracy & Allan's balcony, in a townhouse complex in Radiokop, Johannesburg. The owl seemingly chose carefully: Ironically Tracy & Alan just happen to be bird lovers. Another reason for their choice was because the owl's natural habitat is being encroached upon by property developers.  Their 'wetland', adjacent to Tracy & Allan's home, is shrinking and the potplant on the balcony appeared to be a safer alternative for her to prepare her nest.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and the pair of Spotted Eagle Owls are currently rearing two chicks from their 4th clutch.  This entire story is somewhat of a miracle and I encourage you can read more about it on the

I do, however, have some fabulous pictures to show you - from my visit on Friday.
Here they are:
 The current chicks...22days old!

 "Mamma" sits in the twin pot - opposite the chicks - keeping constant watch for predators.  Should any approach (like the pesky crows), she hoots for her mate, who is quick to spring into action. 

There are also a few more pictures on my other blog, if you are interested.
Click HERE

The Pot Plant Owl and her chicks can also be viewed live on Tracy & Allan's webcam.  The webcam has been set up from their 'hide' in their bedroom on the first floor.
We are privilege to be able to witness some incredible footage. 
You just HAVE TO click here!!!

I strongly encourage you to go and visit them.  The chicks are already 25 days old and will be leaving the nest soon.  Sadly, 2011 viewing will then be over. Only next year, this time, will the owls possibly mate and produce another clutch of eggs.  So, please take advantage of this unique opportunity and privilege.

I would like to say a special thank you to Tracy and Allan for their amazing hospitality. What a pleasure it was to meet them and get to see the owls and their chicks.  I would like to thank them too, for all they are doing to protect our feathered friends. What amazing people they are, and what beautiful, extraordinary and awesome birds they have chosen to protect!  I commend them for their dedicated work and passionate approach.

Please click here if you would like to visit
TRACY AND ALLAN's BLOG

My best wishes go to the PPO, "Pappa" and their two chicks.

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends and wishing you all a very happy week.



11 comments:

WFT Nobby said...

Truly amazing! I never would have thought it. An owl in a pot plant.
Cheers, Gail.

Molly the Airedale said...

What cute fuzzy babies! We will definitely check them out. Thanks, MaxMom!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Oh, we just watched them on the webcam. I guess Momma knows best when it comes to picking out the best place to raise her young!

:o)

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Maxmom, that was really interesting. Thanks, we learned something new.

Suka said...

So very exciting about your book! We look forward to its arrival!

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of the Pot Plant Owl! So amazing! But very sad that their natural habitat is being destroyed. I will definitely check out their website.

K and Suka

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Those owls are gorgeous and I went to see the web cam. Just so cute.. Hugs GJ xx

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

We are getting excited here too about your book. Can't wait to read it. The owls are amazing. How special to have them nesting and trusting humans not to disturb them. Wonderful. No worries, and love, Carol (and Stella and Rory)

Two French Bulldogs said...

those owls are so cool
Benny & Lily

Scout and Freyja said...

That photo you took of the owl's eye DESERVES to be printed professionally and framed - it is amazing! Believe it or not, all the way over here in upper Michigan, I knew about those birds already. Yes, it is a very small world, isn't it? Remarkable that you live so close - I am SO jealous!

Wonder if there will be any babies in the pot when I make it to SA next year...

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

Aww, the owls are soo cute!!
Thanks for sharing :)

Brandon's Raiser

P.S. Stop by sometime soon to "meet" my newest guide dog puppy!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are getting excited about your book! Its getting closer and closer!
The Pot Plant Owl is so cute!
One evening I went outside and looked up in the apple tree and there was a fat baby owl. So cute. The photo I took was not so great.
These that you shared are beautiful.
love
tweedles