Molly and McGee 4Th Clutch Started
March 1, 2012
Molly With Four Eggs 4th Clutch
The Owl Box Austin's Latest Design
We checked in on Molly and McGee and as you can see they have 4 eggs. Wow! Four eggs for the fourth clutch. The Owl Box rocks! Be sure to check out Austin’s latest Owl Box Design as he enters term III at Platt College. www.cafepress.com/austin4media
I would also like to point out that Calvin and Caleigh have been visiting the Kestrel box a lot but so far have not decided to use it as a nesting place. It may be that it is too much like Grand Central Station. We have crows, western kingbirds, mockingbirds, scrub jays and a host of other birds that all seem to like the kestrel box as a daytime high perching place, each chasing the others off and at night the Molly and McGee like it as a place to decapitate their prey and keep an eye on The Owl Box.
With all of the above going on, it is no wonder that Calvin and Caleigh are not overly excited about nesting in the kestrel box, but we are keeping our fingers crossed because they keep coming back.
Donna and I will not be going to Houston, Minnesota to receive our Special Achievement Award. Things just didn’t work out, but we will accept the award using Skype. We appreciate being selected by the World Owl Hall of Fame judges and feel very honored.
Carlos, Donna and Austin
March 1, 2012 at 4:07 pm
How exciting! Thank you so much for the update. Lots of love now and always. Surf
March 1, 2012 at 4:12 pm
about time guys!!! Pic’s Please:) We Miss Ms. Molly and Leggs’s McGee!
March 1, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Kewl on Molly & McGee. Busy owls. :)
Bummer on not going to MN. I was going to see you as I am only 20 minutes away. :( Well I will scrap that. Next time. ;)
March 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
She’s a beauty!!!! Hooray for Molly!
March 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
My day is complete ! I am so happy ! Love Austin’s new design, I would like a copy of that !
Thank you for sharing the great news!
March 1, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Carlos, You must know how much you are missed. Some old faithful friends want you to know we’re still hanging in here!
Stay well. Thanks so much for the update.
Donna
March 1, 2012 at 4:15 pm
What a Great Picture Of Molly and her Eggs….Thank You So Much for Sharing with us. I can’t believe her 4th Clutch. How eggiciting…
Thank You Carlos and Donna For Keeping in Touch with Us and Keep the Pictures Coming…
Much Love From Phoenix, AZ
KSBORN
Jerri Weed
March 1, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Wonderful news and great photo! Good luck Molly and McGee-you are so loved! Thanks Carlos, Donna & Austin
March 1, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Congrats to Molly and McGee!! Wish we could watch them again – hint, hint. ;-)
March 1, 2012 at 4:23 pm
Today is my birthday….what a wonderful present to see beautiful Molly again. Thanks for the update, Carlos!
March 1, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Congrats to M&M!!! How wonderful! Thank you for posting the update. Hope everyone is well!
March 1, 2012 at 4:25 pm
Molly is looking pretty as ever!
March 1, 2012 at 4:25 pm
All barn owls are beautiful, but Molly and McGee are and always will be first in my heart. And Carlos has the best camera and is the best photographer!
Come back to us, we miss you.
OH, and thank you so much for the photo.
I love you, Ms Molly. Take good care of your eggiez.
March 1, 2012 at 4:26 pm
I’m so glad to see Molly and her four eggs. Do miss the owl box, but do appreciate updates on Molly and McGee. Thanks Carlos.
March 1, 2012 at 4:29 pm
M&M EGGS! Right before Easter…perfect. This news completely lifts my spirits, as I’m dealing with very difficult issues right now.
Please, please, please keep us posted with pics on this 4th story, Carlos. You’d be shocked to know how Molly truly does make us feel so much better.
As always, much appreciation to you & Donna for your continued generosity in sharing Molly with us. If you started charging a fee, I’d pay it. She lifts my spirits so.
Hugs to all the other Mods who are doing backflips as well! ;)
March 1, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Carlos! how great to hear we are having another clutch…and congratulations on your (and Donna’s) award….thanks for keeping us up on Molly and mcGee!
March 1, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Thank you for the update. Please keep us posted on the Molly and McGee happenings. Getting excited again, have missed them. We are also honored that you received the Special Achievement Award. Hope Caliegh stays close and uses the nest. You two take care.
Virgene
March 1, 2012 at 4:30 pm
What a beautiful sight! Molly and her newest eggs! Please keep the pics coming. We miss you carlos and donna! You made my day.
March 1, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Too bad about missing the award presentation, Carlos. I hope it’s due to nothing more serious than a schedule conflict.
Thanks for the update and the picture… (I agree with one of the other posters. Your pictures are the best!)
dale
March 1, 2012 at 4:33 pm
It’s great to see that M&M are doing so well. Thank you for keeping us in touch with photos! I hope you will let us see more pics when the owlets start to hatch.
March 1, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Congrats, Carlos, Donna and Austin on your Award! You deserve it. I am so eggcited to see Molly and her 4 Eggs!!! Woo Hoo. gmarch53
March 1, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Tonight I’ll lay me down to sleep,
With tears of joy that I shall keep,
For Molly and McGee and their clutch #4,
They’ve made MODS happy again once more.
With gratitude…
March 2, 2012 at 8:59 am
What a lovely poem flukestail..
truly OWLsome and beautiful words you do share.
March 3, 2012 at 8:08 am
Wonderful poem. Thanks for sharing it.
March 1, 2012 at 4:37 pm
You, Austin, Donna, Molly and McGee changed my life…made it better…I miss the live feed so much…so I am hoping that maybe, somehow, someway, you might turn it back on…I had to ask…I mean all you can say is no…and if it is no…you will do that with as much kindness and caring that you have always shown us MODS…Thanks for the update…Molly looks beautiful!!!!
March 1, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Wonderful news indeed!
March 1, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Great for Molly & McGee – seems like four is the magic number this year – several other boxes I’ve been watching have laid 4 eggs. Too bad you can’t make it to the owl achievement – that would have been neat!
Will you be broadcasting M&M again or not? Sure miss those adorable owls.
March 1, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Molly! 4 Eggiez! M’Geezie must be diligently delivering rOdentia : D
Warmest regardz,
Ruthiesmom
March 1, 2012 at 4:42 pm
P.S. I LOVE Austin’s design. He really is an artist in his own right.
March 1, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Hello Carlos, Congrats on your Special Achievement Award, it is well deserved!
I just want to say that I am so thrilled to hear that Molly and McGee are awaiting their 4th clutch to hatch. I have been keeping my fingers crossed for months now in hope that we would get this great news. Any idea on when on the eggs are do to hatch?
I really have missed you all.
Will we have the honor of you live streaming the 4th clutch? I know there are other owl boxes running a live stream but, Molly and McGee have such a special place in our hearts… they are our first love. I so hope we can share in another episode of their journey in life. I miss seeing them so much.
Thank you for giving us an update, it is deeply appreciated.
Take care Carlos and warm regards to Donna and Austin,
Sending love from Colorado.
March 1, 2012 at 4:50 pm
So nice for the update,Carlos. I mentioned your name today referring to the pic of you and coach. We were all friends still are. Keep us up on the hatching.OK? DianaJoe
March 1, 2012 at 4:51 pm
Seeing Molly and her eggs is so exciting! I miss her and McGee so much. Carlos, you are what made the owl box experience so wonderful. Your smiling face and great sense of humor uplifted all of us. We miss you and Donna and of course Austin too. We are all so proud of him. Looking forward to more pictures of our favorite owls.
Janie
March 1, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Yay! Congrats Molly and McGee, so good to hear the great news. M&M will always hold first place in my heart, stay safe and warm, little ones!
March 1, 2012 at 4:53 pm
You sure may our day as well. We’ve recently heard owls in our woods and are anxiously awaiting them finding our owl box. It’s a second answer to prayer to have Molly and McGee back in our lives….thanks so much. May we all enjoy the new arrivals?
Mike and Lynne Morrow
March 1, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Molly & McGee are looking fine! And 4 eggs, congrats! Thanks so much for the update Carlos, and keep us posted. Wishing you and Donna all the very best! Sharoot
March 1, 2012 at 4:57 pm
BAYBEES! BAYBEES! I love Molly, I miss her so! Please, please, can we watch her, McGee, and the baybees? Please? We will be so good, you won’t even know we’re there! Thank you, thank you for the picture, though. Congratulations on your award, Mr. and Mrs. Royal, and to Austin for his hard work and recognition.
Please? Please? Love, Lisa
March 1, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Love the picture…It’s so great to see Molly again! Austin’s new design is beautiful. Just ordered the mug to add to my Molly collection.
Thanks for keeping in touch!
March 1, 2012 at 4:59 pm
What a treat it is to see a picture of Molly and her 4th clutch eggs! It feels like we’ve waited a very long time for this joyful news, and it’s made me smile today. Four seems to be a magic number this season. May they and you and all of us thrive! Congratulations on your award. No one could deserve it more than you. With deep appreciation and love always, tresbien
March 1, 2012 at 5:01 pm
I am doing as many backflips are the rest of the MODs! Four new little owlets developing, and Molly and McGee back in their own little home, starting a new family!
Thanks so much for keeping the MODs up to date on all the goings on in the Royal bird sanctuary. Sounds as tho there is plenty to keep you busy, just watching.
Good to know that Austin is keeping up the good work. And congrats on your award, both of you deserve it, you certainly have put in the time.
Hope you will keep us posted….
March 1, 2012 at 5:11 pm
YAY! YAY! YAY!!! Ooops! sorry for the all caps! ;) I agree with flukestail I would pay too! Thank you so much for the updates and we’re so glad to hear that you and Donna and Austin are doing well. We love you guys!
Mina (minasparrot)
March 1, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Carlos and Donna – You deserve the Special Award for all that you’ve done to make the world aware of barn owls, their role in the ecosystem, and their behavior. Also, I don’t think people would have had any idea of HOW DARN CUTE those little ones are, if you hadn’t generously shared your lives and time and Molly and McGee with us. Thank you so much for the update on Molly and McGee. Greatly appreciated!
All the best,
kestra14/kathy
March 1, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Thanks for the update. I am thrilled. Love those little owls.
Glad you and Donna are back. God Bless all.
Donna (bingodabber)
March 1, 2012 at 5:41 pm
Woo Hoo Great News Carlos. Seems the magic # is 4 for the owls this season.
Thank you for updating us.
Hugs to You, Donna & Austin
Sherrie Pearl ( Sher67 )
March 1, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Oh wow..congrats on Molly and McGee’s new family!!! Miss all you guys and watching those delightful owlets grow up. Take care..ldgreene123
March 1, 2012 at 6:10 pm
WooYoo!! So happy to know that 4 Eggs!! I will be looking forward to seeing more wonderful pictures. Of course like everyone live was fantastic but second best is awesome. Thanks Carlos and Donna and Austin for what you do. Congratulations on your award as well.
March 1, 2012 at 6:14 pm
WOW!!!! What a day this is to remember! 4th clutch for Molly & Mcgee. They are truly an amazing & beautiful pair of loving barn owls. Looking forward to see more video or pictures of their coming family. I have watched Max and all of them hatch.
It’s wonderful to see them grow. Thank you so much for the update and all of yours, Donna’s, and Austin’s time & effort in making Molly & McGee so special for all of us to see and enjoy! We will be having more deet,deet, deet, deets……
Warmest Regards…..
March 1, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Wow!!! I am so excited.. I wasn’t weaned off completely hoping that we would hear and see more… Thank you so much for the update… Woo hoo here we go again… Congratulations for your award….. so nice hearing from you!!!
March 1, 2012 at 6:29 pm
Wonderful! Thank you for the news of a 4th clutch. And congrats on the award. Well deserved. Great hearing from you.
March 1, 2012 at 6:38 pm
Congratulations Donna and Carlos!
You certainly deserve the recognition. We are forever grateful to you for enriching our lives. I first heard the good news from our dear PegRod’s blog entry. (thanks, dear Peg)
Molly looks very sweet and mommy-like! I love McGee and her so much, and always appreciate the updates.
March 1, 2012 at 6:53 pm
I’ve been checking the blog faithfully for months knowing that you would let us know if Molly had eggs again. I’m glad she took a season off but am thrilled to know Mr & Mrs Leggs are expectant parents once again – Bravo!! Thank you for the constant updates and photos of them staking their permanent claim over the owlbox.
Congrats on the Award, and I’ve just ordered from Austin’s new design – LOVE IT!! Thanks for keeping us a part of your world . . . best of everything to you always!!
March 1, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Egg-cited all over again! Was a MOD before and am ready again!!Pleaz live stream again…pretty pretty please. [down on knees begging, praying :) ] Looking fwd. to more pictures and updates.
Congratulations on your much deserved award.
Molly is as beautiful and ‘Royal’ looking as ever.
You have all changed my life forever…and for the better :)
PJgrandma
March 1, 2012 at 7:41 pm
thanks for the update on Molly and yourselves, so happy to hear about your award, sorry you won’t be able to accept it in person. Hope you and Donna and all the family are well. Thanks for keeping us posted on Molly/McGee’s family. Be well my friend :)
sldausch (Sally Dausch)
March 1, 2012 at 7:50 pm
So happy to hear this good news and to see Molly with her eggs. I miss the owl box so much. My best wishes go out to you, Donna, Austin, and all your family.
March 1, 2012 at 7:50 pm
That’s so cool. I was actually thinking about them yesterday and figured they’d be having another clutch by now if they were going to.Woohoo! Thank you so much for the picture. It’s a glorious sight. I hope everything is good with the three of you. Miss you. Miss all the MODS and chat. Blessings.
March 1, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Carlos, thank you so much for sharing Molly with her eggs, it brought tears to my eyes. I still miss the owl box and think about all of you often, I check everyday for an update. Congratulations on the award well deserved!! Please keep us posted and send more pics, the owl box will always be # 1 to me, I can’t tell you how much I miss M&M and all of you. Hope to hear from you soon!!!!
March 1, 2012 at 7:56 pm
What exciting news M & M will be parents once again, please keep the pics coming when you can. Miss all the excitment of the owl box.
March 1, 2012 at 8:12 pm
Great end to a busy day. Thank you for the update. Will look for pictures as you have time. I was thinking about M&M and you and Donna just (well often!) I have my pictures on my family room wall of M&M and the kids!!. How exciting.
Congratulations on the award. Like everyone I’d love to have ustream live for the fun :O)
March 1, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Yay, Molly and McGee, parents again. Best wishes for a successful clutch and lots of game to hunt!! Thanks for keeping us posted, I think of you all often.
March 1, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Thank you for keeping us posted am so excited and I wish I was there to man the cameras. Miss you all and good ole times of Molly watching.
March 1, 2012 at 10:42 pm
YIPPIE!!
March 2, 2012 at 12:47 am
Yaaaay! Thanks for letting us know. And congratulations on your award, no one could deserve it more. This time, will you please name the owlets? I find for some reason it is hard to keep them straight and remember them as well unless they have names.
March 2, 2012 at 1:30 am
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
You go M&M!!!!
March 2, 2012 at 3:29 am
Molly and her four eggs just made my day! Gosh we miss her and Leggz and of course you and Donna. I send you my best wishes for your award. Way To Go Carlos! Austin’s owl box graphic is way kewl.
Thank you for the fantastic update. (((Hugs)))
March 2, 2012 at 3:40 am
Wonderful news!! Made my day and brought a smile to my face. Thanks for the update. I have missed hearing from you. Love, love, love Austin’s new Owlbox design. Hope all of you are doing well. Again, I appreciate you letting us know how Molly and McGee are doing and four little way on the way. Very exciting!! Take care.
Deb in OH
March 2, 2012 at 3:43 am
I was so excited about hearing the news I couldn’t even think straight. Should have said *four little ones on the way. Have a great day.
March 2, 2012 at 4:54 am
Yea (yay?) Molly and McGee! What wonderful news to wake up to. Can’t thank you enough for the whole owl experience and keeping us informed.
March 2, 2012 at 5:10 am
Wonderful news!! I assumed (foolishly) that all barn owls looked alike. But, Molly’s body language, even in a still photo is unmistakeable.
March 2, 2012 at 5:58 am
My favorite owl couple are at it again!!!! Wow—4 eggs. They are such good parents. Send us pictures every now and then please Carlos. It would be so great to keep up with the new family. Can’t say as I blame Calvin and Caleigh for thinking twice about the kestrel box. Sounds a bit busy for nesting!!
Love Austin’s new Owl Box design.
Love to The Royals!
March 2, 2012 at 6:02 am
Dear Carlos, Donna & Austin,
Thanks for letting us know the good news!
Best regards, Ruthful
March 2, 2012 at 6:13 am
Yahoo, 4 eggs!
Austin that rocks! Love Zorro the mouse.
Carlos and Donna probably best not to make the trip, winter snows are in the area very late and violent weather has been popping up all over. Time for a new location for a new Kestral box?
What a busy backyard!
Love to all creatures!
Vicki
March 2, 2012 at 6:52 am
Thank you, Thank you, Thank You, for letting us know about our precious Molly and McGee.. Soooo happy to hear 4 eggies, in her 4th clutch.. We have missed her so much, just wish we could watch, but happy to have a picture of her and updates.
No other barn owl will ever compete with our Molly or McGee, they are one of a kind.
Hugz to the Royals
March 2, 2012 at 7:16 am
Congratulations! Wow, a fourth clutch! Miss you and hope all is well. Thanks so much for the update. You are never far from thought. Tell Austin I love his new design.
March 2, 2012 at 7:22 am
Thank you for the up data and I look forward to the owl family milestones as they come along. Can’t tell you how much I miss the live owl box, even though I understand your stepping back a bit, it leaves a small hole in my heart. Have a beautilful spring and enjoy your travels. I look forward to all the magical moments.
March 2, 2012 at 7:40 am
Congratulations to all on your awards – you all are the best. I’ve been checking the blog almost every day – hoping for M&M news. Wow – a 4th clutch. Isn’t that a bit unusual? I remember you said owls in the wild only live a few yeazrs. I think it’s because you’ve given them their own owl preserve in your yard…….Any chance you will stream M&M raising their owlets? All of us MODs are hoping so.
Best,
Christy in West Virginia
March 2, 2012 at 8:32 am
Many thanks for posting the great picture of Molly and her four eggs. Everyone is loving it. Do I understand correctly that the 24/7 cameras won’t be on for this clutch? Can this be correct?
March 2, 2012 at 10:02 am
That is correct, no 24/7 cameras. No broadcast. We will check In when we are homeand and give you an update.
March 4, 2012 at 12:58 am
Nice of you to keep us in the loop, though sure miss the live feed. I am hoping you will name the owlets this time even though the watch is sporadic. It makes a difference.
All best to you, Donna and the famous owl family.
March 2, 2012 at 8:55 am
Hope you and Donna are enjoying this fourth clutch as much as all the others. So thrilled to see this picture. Oh, and congrats on the prestigious award. You deserve it. Love to all!!
Judy(googyluvsmolly)
March 2, 2012 at 8:56 am
WOOHOOT!
Shouts of joy from my home to yours; and the Molly and McGee home too of course!
So happy to hear this most wonderfOWL newz thank you so much for sharing.
Well, if Calvin and Caleigh want to nest in that there Kestrel box home they surely will; and they keep coming back so soon they will I am sure.
Congratulations on your award Donna and Carlos; well deserved. I have learned more than I ever thought of about owls, and other critters too thanks to you. Sorry things did not work out for you to go in person but thanks to the wonderful technology you will still be able to be there just through Skype.
Thank you again for the updates and congratulations once again!
<3 and Hugz to you both…and snugglez for the owls from me too…
March 2, 2012 at 9:17 am
I’ve been thinking about M/M all week and wondering how they were, so I’m thrilled to have this phabulous photo and to know about the 4th! Molly looks magnificent as usual. Thank you so very much for sending this.
Congrats on your award. I’m sure it will be exciting to receive it even on Skype.
Austin’s design is rockin’! How about using it for a new website with links to merch. and a live view of 4th clutch (for a modest monthly fee, say $5)? Since there are so many of us, it would pay for the elec. bill, and your time or someone you could pay to monitor. Just an idea. :-)
Much love and joy to you, Donna and Austin.
March 2, 2012 at 9:38 am
How wonderful that they are having a 4th clutch!!!! Thank you so much Carlos for keeping us in the loop. Do you know about when the eggs will begin to hatch????? Congratulations on your award!!!
March 2, 2012 at 11:38 am
wow… four for four…super…sorry you couldn’t get out to accept the award…somethings things happen…congratulations on being named to receive it…did a super job inviting the world into the owl box…hope all goes well with the eggs and owlets…
March 2, 2012 at 11:42 am
congratulations to all! IT’s been a great ride through it all!
March 2, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Big congratulations on your award! I see M&M are busy again. How wonderful to be able to still read the updates! They just continue to amaze. Here’s to another 30 years all around! Thanks as always for your great work on keeping the “Mods” informed! :-)
March 2, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for the update, Carlos! This is wonderful news. Best Wishes to all of the Royal Family, with and without feathers!
March 2, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Started my spring house cleaning yesterday and while dusting my McGee sculpture (a birthday gift last year) I was thinking about you Carlos, Donna, and Molly & McGee. Figured you were getting ready to venture out to Houston to accept your award and prayed you would have some good news regarding M&M for us MODs upon your return. WOW!!! checked my email while taking a short break, must have read my mind. Thanks to the Royals for giving the gift of your time and the adventures of Molly & McGee. Forever a special place in my heart. Love Ya
March 2, 2012 at 5:19 pm
As everyone has already expressed, I also was thrilled to see Molly and her eggs. Molly and McGee was my first owl box experience thanks to the selflessness of you and your family. As I have recently retired, I realize how precious “time” has become. I hope you and Donna enjoy every minute. And I know that you will send us updates if time allows. Be safe, be happy.
Carole
March 2, 2012 at 5:51 pm
OH HAPPY DAY :0) SWEET MOLLY AND MCGEE.
FINGERS CROSSED ALL GOES WELL FOR THEM.
Sorry you can’t make the trip to accept award.
Anewday
March 2, 2012 at 9:02 pm
Thank you so much for the good news, Carlos! As you can see, Molly & McGee, you & Donna, have lots of love sent your way! Please continue to keep us posted.
March 2, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Thanks so much for the update! We keep you in mind always
March 3, 2012 at 5:41 am
Carlos, thanks for sharing the news of Molly and McGee with us. They will always be first in my heart because they taught me to love these fascinating creatures. You made that possible for so many. The award is richly deserved, and I hope that your travels with the lovely Donna are filling your life now. Your post came the week after I received my order for new Molly note cards, which impress everyone I send them to. It’s always a pleasure to see Austin’s new designs. Thank you for all the happiness you’ve given us and for what we learned from watching Molly and McGee. You and your family have made our lives that much richer.
Fondly, lilbirdz
March 3, 2012 at 8:20 am
Let me just say I totally agree with what everyone else has said. To see Molly & the 4 eggs just warms my heart.
The pic is just great.
Sorry to hear that you won’t be able to go to MN. Will you be able to record the Skype and post it on the blog? I am sure that everyone there would have loved to meet you & Donna personally.
Austin–Really, really like the design. You are very talented. What would be great is to have this done as a real movie poster. Is that possible? Or even as an art print?
Thanks all for keeping the M&M miracle alive and continuing to enrich our lives.
March 3, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Lovin’ the movie poster idea! Great idea, CA. Austin, you print them and I’ll buy one.
March 3, 2012 at 11:33 am
thank you just doesn’t quite seem enough for all you have done for so many, THANK YOU
March 3, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Hi Carlos, Donna and Austin,
Oh, how beautiful! Four lovely white eggs for a 4th clutch.
Thank you for sharing.
Love our Molly and McGee …. our first loves :0)
So good to hear from you.
Hope to hear more about the new upcoming family.
Take care.
joanne51 .. when in The Owl Box
March 4, 2012 at 6:43 am
I have not deleted the post with the picture of our beloved Molly and her eggs. I keep going back to it for that warm and fuzzy feeling she always gives me. Molly is so beautiful and will always be first in my heart no matter how many owlboxes broadcast.
March 4, 2012 at 7:26 am
It is not only fantastic to hear from Carlos, and to see beautiful Madonna Molly with her “more precious than pearls” quartet of egglets, and Austin’s fine work, which is so unique, attractive and something to be proud of (a young man with MOD), but also to hear all the warm and wonderful words, thoughts, poems, and comments from the many people who were changed by The Owl Box of San Marcos, California Experience!
Poets, we could use a Quadrad for the Fourth Clutch!
March 4, 2012 at 7:34 am
Memory Lane
Molly and McGee
Third Clutch
March 4, 2011 – Molly Special ….
http://mollysbox.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/molly-special-monday-night-6-pm-pst-ustream-tvtheowlbox/
Attention – This is from a Year Ago! Not today!
I can see hearts beating faster, eyes blurring and those numbers 2011 turning into 2012 by the power of Belief and Wishing it so! But, this is a post from last year, a very happy day in Owl Box history! We enjoyed what Carlos and Donna shared with us of the Third Clutch, and are sure to do the same with the Fourth Clutch.
Calvin, the male kestrel, stayed on The Bluebird Box long enough for Carlos to snap a striking photograph, which is the first thing you see when you click on the above link. When fans continued to read the post up to the following “PS”, we would have no idea of great experiences to come for faithful watchers – our bluebirds of happiness!
Carlos – “P.S. About half a dozen bluebirds checked out our backyard this morning as Spring has sprung with little green leaf buds bursting out on every tree. If you look closely at the bluebird house you will see a spiderweb in the entrance which we hope will not be there long.”
Life is full of surprises!
March 4, 2012 at 9:11 am
Oops – Calvin was on the Owl Box roof! See what I mean about seeing things! Bluebirds on my mind.
March 4, 2012 at 12:46 pm
What a happy sight, thank you so much for sharing that. Molly and McGee are such special owls. All the luck in the world to them and their next clutch.
March 4, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Congrats!! Been waiting to hear! I can”t believe it’s been 2 years of Molly& McGee. Thank somuch for the great news!
March 5, 2012 at 4:48 am
Great news for the owling world and for all Molly and McGee fans! I look forward to hearing about and seeing images of the progress! Thanks Carlos and Donna! Janetniu
March 5, 2012 at 9:21 am
Janetniu – I miss your Owl Box Haiku!
March 5, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Magic Feathers
Molting Season
Feathery GagShags
I found it fascinating to hear that the reason fans have observed Dale, the Chula Vista barn owl, eating so many of her molting feathers, despite Roy bringing close to 100 rabbits so far, might be that the feathers could have some nutritional value! MOD and super screenshot taker, hundon (UK), shared info in the chat rooms – Feathers are 91% protein, 1.3% fat and 7.9% water.
While looking for more information on feathers, I found this good article from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They also have teacher guides.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/young_naturalists/feathers/index.html
The Owl Pages, a primary internet resource for owl watchers and enthusiasts, has a great section on owl physiology and sub-section on feathers – the barn owl has its own special way of molting/moulting.
http://www.owlpages.com/articles.php?section=Owl+Physiology
March 6, 2012 at 12:04 pm
PegRod– Thanks for the great links. So very informative.
The Royal family should make you a “Dame” for all the wonderful posts you write on the M&M blog.
March 7, 2012 at 8:28 am
CAequuslvr – lol!
Our Royal Family provided us all with titles, “Certified MOD for Life”! I enjoy being one of the millions of “un”commoners in Molly’s World.
http://www.cafepress.com/mollytheowl.468614007
New readers – free downloads of Molly the Owl business cards, MOD cards and certificates are at the top of the Cafe Press site – Adobe PDF downloads – I recommend you keep them in a file on your computer before they disappear, like the free Christmas 2010 Owl Box paper cuts outs did – there is only room for 12 freebies!
March 5, 2012 at 3:54 pm
How exciting!
And congrats on the award….well deserved.
March 5, 2012 at 5:01 pm
This morning, I went out for coffee by myself. I was thinking about the recent news that Molly & McGee have a new clutch with four eggs in the owl box…and just how happy that news was to so many MODS. So I grabbed my copy of “The Second Clutch, The Return of the World’s Most Famous Barn Owls” to just look through again.
As I sat sipping my coffee (without any bacon or Nutella in sight),
I started reading through the book. I turned a page and saw a passage written by a loyal M&M MOD. As I read it, tears started to roll down my face…because it brought up so many memories and emotions of the entire Molly & McGee experience.
In honor of M&M’s new clutch of eggs, I’m sharing the passage, written by Dorothy Lafferty, with all of you as a reminder:
“If I had to summarize the second clutch experience, I think I’d say we all learned that even a common barn owl can be very uncommon. We experienced the pain of loss; we learned to mourn and move on; we learned to seek and embrace joy where we could; we learned the value of friendship and support and love; we learned that nature can be both brutal and beautiful at the same time; and I think, most important of all, we learned that there is a big world out there where things happen that we never knew of, and that life goes on whether we observe it or not.”
I have valued, and will always value, my Molly & McGee experiences, the Royal family, and my dear MOD friends.
With gratitude,
flukestail
March 5, 2012 at 6:15 pm
Awww, flukes, you made me cry. I am always thankful when someone can so eloquently put into words what I am feeling.
I have to believe you & Dot speak for all of us MODs. This is another joy and memory of the M&M experience.
March 5, 2012 at 8:03 pm
thank you so much for the news and your award..the last message made me have good feeling , i wish i could write like that that to mall my fine feather friends.
March 6, 2012 at 7:49 am
Your words are true, jacque, and spoken from your heart! Awwww, fine feather friends (hugs). Ditto and deet, deet, deet.
March 6, 2012 at 6:49 pm
Carlos and Donna, I know that you are too modest to do it on your own, but if there is a recording of you accepting your award from the International Owl Festival by Skype, would you please post it on this blog? Those of us who could not travel to Houston, MN, would love to see it. Your family did so much to raise awareness about owls, raptors, and birds in general in this country. I have re-played my DVD’s, and it reminds me of how you opened your home and your hearts to thousands and made us joyful. Take a bow. You all earned it.
lilbirdz
March 7, 2012 at 10:45 am
if anyone knows where the link to the Skype interview is could you please post it as we haven’t seen it either. :)
March 7, 2012 at 12:58 pm
I saw this article from March 4th about the Festival – it is a nice write-up with photos, but I have not seen any links yet.
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/owl-festival-continues-today-in-houston/article_44954038-65ab-11e1-b085-001871e3ce6c.html?mode=story
March 7, 2012 at 1:04 pm
This article includes a nice piece about Carlos and Donna Royal and their award at the International Festival of Owls.
http://lacrossetribune.com/houstonconews/news/local/festival-of-owls-is-this-weekend-in-houston/article_26107e68-62ed-11e1-bea8-001871e3ce6c.html
March 7, 2012 at 7:57 am
The Way of the Owl
Chula Vista Owl Box
2012
Although Papa Roy the Rabbit Wrangler brought his 102 desert cottontail last night to his growing owlets for Mama Dale to shred for them, he also brought a little mouse, since it is nearing the time for the “one mouse swallowed whole” step in the life-cycle development of Elektra, aka Ellie, the oldest owlet.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/54060665@N03/6961609037/in/photostream
Chatroom Moderator LacyRoze asks the question and answers: “How old are our heroe’s today? Ellie is 17 days, Clark is 15 days and Dee is 11 days old.”
March 8, 2012 at 7:32 am
Memory Lane
Molly and McGee
Third Clutch 2011
March 8, 2011 – 3,500 Show Up
http://mollysbox.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/3500-show-up/
“Precious” is one word you could use to describe the welcomed glimpse into The Owl Box with a screenshot from Carlos entitled “Molly and baby” from last year. However, this was a cherry on top of a live broadcast this time last year.
The 2011 Molly Special was brought to fans on Ustream after mountainous efforts by Carlos and Austin to get the broadcast working – they never gave up! I would suggest reading the whole story and watching the video links!
Thank you Carlos, Donna and Austin for all you do for your Owl Box and Molly fans – you always take it to the next step (level) and provide lots of surprises, share the drama (not the dread), the fun (not the frenetics) and most importantly the love!
Readers will find a link to a YouTube of “Mom Knows Best” – a must see of Molly and her Series of Four owlets of the Third Clutch. Envision what might be happening with the four egglets of the Fourth Clutch!
By the way, in 2012 – right now – the first owlet of the Ustream Owlceanside Owl Box has hatched – welcome little Maggie! Good work, Sydney and Mel!
March 9, 2012 at 7:57 am
VacaDude Cartoon for New Owlet
John “VacaDude” Atkinson has a new free cartoon – oh, the sweetness of new owlets! Click on the small picture for a larger one to open up in Adobe Acrobat Reader, and you will get a good laugh! Scroll down further to see the Molly and McGee and Family cartoons.
http://www.vacadude.com/apob_samp.html
March 8, 2012 at 9:09 am
Chula Vista Owl Box
Update
Ellie (the owlet) swallowed her first mouse whole! Now for the hork – lol. Great photo with caption from MOD LonestarStateTX!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/coulee/6818299852/in/photostream
March 8, 2012 at 9:19 am
Host OCG also has great photos beginning with Roy and some amazing inside closeups – cute ones of owlets sleeping on their backs! Remember when we thought the owlets were dead – just dead asleep, dreaming and growing – lol!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/owlcamguy/show/with/6817392540
March 12, 2012 at 8:23 am
News is that four days later, Ellie has now downed her first rabbit whole (without the head)! Barn Owlets are Amazing!
March 9, 2012 at 7:34 am
Mollys Box WordPress
Flag Counter
I like to check the Flag Counter for this site/blog now and then. At last check a new country had been added, on Feb 29, 2012, with a viewer from Grenada, bringing the viewer distribution up to 104 countries! Of course more than that watched The Owl Box on Ustream.
http://s01.flagcounter.com/more/RaSW
Barn Owls have been spotted in that “Island of Spices” country and others in the Caribbean. Here is a photo of a unique group of Tyto called the “Lesser Antillean” – read the caption for more interesting information.
http://fieldguides.smugmug.com/keyword/lesser/1/865032434_Gt8f9#!i=865032434&k=Gt8f9
Speaking of the Caribbean, I do hope the Royals share some photos of their Retirement Adventures in the Caribbean!
Being the season of votes, a passing thought of “Vote Molly” might bring some joy when the roster seems like just a bunch of roosters.
March 9, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Special thanks PegRod, for keeping us up to date on owl news. We need our “fix”! And loved your ‘vote Molly’ post.
And to VacaDude–so amazingly sweet of you to provide the good laughs, the cartoons are classic.
Carlos and Donna, I’m glad your achievements were recorded with the award, but I also think the real reach of your achievements is almost too great to measure, and crossed many kinds of achievement. Can’t help hoping it’s not completely over yet, since you are so uncommonly gracious as to continue to permit us to follow the owls we fell in love with and to keep in contact with mods and with you. wtfaiwpoi.
March 10, 2012 at 8:01 am
Owlceanside Owl Box
Update
Boomer the owlet came out of his shell on March 9th at 9:11 pm. Maybe a MOD who follows this Mel & Sydney Owl Box on Ustream could post a link to a photo (no YouTube links please since they crash mobile devices)! Big ‘sister’ Maggie has someone to cuddle with now on those chilly Oceanside, CA nights, last night by the light of the silvery full moon of March!
Full moons of each month have been given names throughout time in various cultures worldwide – something that MODs love to do – name that egg! Some of the creative nicknames for the March moon include Crow Moon, Fish Moon, Sleepy Moon, Windy Moon, Crust Moon, Sugar Moon, Sap Moon, Chaste Moon, Worm Moon, Lenten Moon, and longer ones like Moon When Eyes Are Sore from Bright Snow. Someone told me it is also called the Spider Moon, and a Google search shows that Apollo 9 was called “Spider” and made its journey from the Earth to the Moon and back in March 1969 – it seems so long ago and far away.
On a clear, starry night look up into the sky, and the Moon’s warm glowing presence is always there, looking down on our beloved Owl Boxes, and especially our first and most beloved Owl Box in the Royal Gardens of San Marcos, California, USA!
March 10, 2012 at 2:54 pm
great to see Molyy again.. thanks Carlos