More Confusion

 On Wednesday, March 27th, we had the honor of watching Pepper on her first day in the box. That same day at 2pm, something made her bolt out of the box; since we did not have sound at the time, we have no way off knowing exactly what caused it...only speculation. Since it was the middle of the day we had to wait until after dark to see if she would return. That evening at 8:01pm, she did just that...At 8:13pm both Salt and Pepper were in the box and they mate. The entire night was full of sounds by the two of them, Salt was the one first in the box; calling to Pepper. She was busy chasing and warning the flybys that were going on. (Quite a few of them - looks like the start of other nests in the area perhaps?) I am not going to list the whole night, here are the most important facts: Salt delivered two pocket gophers of which Pepper consumed during the night. A good amount of bonding (with Pepper insisting she wanted to be groomed), and to prove just how busy they were: copulation took place 22 times!! They did this on the branches, roof and in the box. Thought for sure she would stay....nope off they go at 5:47am.

Here it is Thursday night March 28th, into Friday March 29th, Mark has the inside cam still up, of course no owls in the box. At 8:55pm both are in the box, 8:59 they are gone. Again at 9:55pm one is in the box. I was able to record the night but only had inside view and sound was not on. NO owls all night or even when we finally were able to get outside cam and sound back at around 5am. Where are they?? Just adding more confusion !!!! I will admit this is typical Salt and Pepper, they have always kept us guessing ♥♥ Stay tuned for hopefully a return of Salt and Pepper tonight at the owl box.


 

 




I have links on the side bar for information on reproduction and egg laying (really goes in depth)  Later when Pepper starts to nest I will give a shortened version. Right now we can't expect anything until she stays inside during the day...then it will take about a week or so before she starts laying eggs.



Also added to the side bar for our friends that would prefer to read the blog in their own language, you will see a drop down translation bar. ♥♥