The Third Clutch Has Fledged
May 5, 2011
This morning I got up to an empty owl box. The Third Clutch has fledged. That makes 10 owlets for Molly and McGee so far. Wow!
Have a Great Day!
Carlos, Donna and Austin
Molly's Box
The Barn Owls of San Marcos
May 5, 2011 at 6:59 am
So now we can hope for a fourth!!! You two are great!
May 5, 2011 at 6:59 am
Morning!
Good news for Molly and McGee. The kids are grown and they can go back to their own lives. You have a great day, too. Thanks for the update.:-)
May 5, 2011 at 7:00 am
I saw some camera flashes last night, Carlos! Looking forward to those. Thank you so very much for keeping us informed.
May 5, 2011 at 7:01 am
It must be the owlet Mother’s Day present all through California. The Oceanside six have all fledged too. Here’s to diligent, caring parents and robust owlets everywhere!
Thanks for letting us have a peak for this third time.
May 5, 2011 at 7:02 am
The cycle continues! They have been fortunate (as have we) to have had so much success in raising their young; I frequently see barred owls on the side of the road here in Louisiana, victims of car accidents and always think of M & M and how that first night Molly stayed out so long…and one night McGee was so late in returning! We have learned a lot from you all; THANKS AGAIN FOR THIS WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!!!!
May 5, 2011 at 7:02 am
I had a feeling last night when they didn’t hang out as close to or in the box much. I will miss watching them swaying together but of course I am so happy to have four new owls–no longer owlets–happily out in the world. Can’t wait to see/hear what happens next for M&M!
May 5, 2011 at 7:03 am
Carlos, Donna and Austin: Thank you for sharing yet another batch of owlets. I so appreciate all your time and effort!
May 5, 2011 at 7:05 am
Thanks for the memories once again. Now anxiously waiting on 4th clutch . Come on Molly and McGee !!
May 5, 2011 at 7:06 am
The last one left at 7:54 central time this morning
May 5, 2011 at 7:08 am
have fun babies!!
*sends love after the owlets*
May 5, 2011 at 7:13 am
Yes, I saw that empty box too. Boo hoo. And hooray for THEM!!!!
May 5, 2011 at 7:14 am
Thank you Carlos and Donna for letting us watch the third clutch. Molly and McGee are amazing birds! Thank you for all you do to preserve wildlife!
May 5, 2011 at 7:15 am
Awwwhh…sweet memories we have. looking forward to the next clutch.
Theresa aka windbeneathwing
May 5, 2011 at 7:18 am
The owls do know
when the time is just right
for when that one last flight
from the owlbox is to be
Many may see
the owlbox as empty
They may cry tears
But the owlbox through the years
is filled with memories aplenty
So much joy
Oh Boy!
So no need for sorrow
for on the morrow
there are sure to be more
Now with that gagshag chore
Carlos knows just what to do
And they will be back knows you!
So be not sad for the owlbox empty
for you and I know
there will be owls aplenty
for us to watch and see
In the days ahead
here and there
and everywhere
the owls flights do mean
new owlets will be seen
As Molly and McGee
Their owlets fledge
making room for new ones
to fly to the palms
or to the hedge
new owls to be nesting
for future owlets to be seen
So see the box as filled
and be thrilled
that you and I were a part of this
and what fun it has been
and will continue to be
Friendships made
memories too
so be happy
not sad
For that owlbox not empty at all
just overflowing with sweet memories
and perhaps another day
filled with new owl babies
:) that’s all for now…need coffee.
May 5, 2011 at 8:59 am
Awww – just awesome VSue – you touched my heart, captured the journey, and give comfort and joy! Thank you for sharing from your heart.
May 5, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Oh, you are so very welcome
The words just popped into my head before am coffee! LOL
So happy made you happy
May 5, 2011 at 11:09 am
This is just a wonderful poem. VSue, thanks so much for sharing and describing the “cycle” so beautifully.
May 5, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Thank you CAequuslvr
Well,t he words just flowed this morning
From where they came
be a mystery
for I had just woke
without my coffee!
LOL
May 5, 2011 at 7:19 am
Thank you so much for the updates. I loved seeing the photos and hearing the stories when you were traveling but nothing makes me happier than knowing you are home watching mother nature spread her beauty. Happy lives to the owlets!!
May 5, 2011 at 7:28 am
I was watching this morning early and there was so much activity around the owl box, etc. Loved it!! Hate to see an empty box, but happy for healthy owlets. Now, we are ALL waiting for the next clutch and coverage from the Royals! Love the new camera Carlos! Thanks so much.
Lynne
May 5, 2011 at 7:32 am
Thanks for the update, now what we gonna do? The pics you have been sending have been the greatest. Guess cleaning out the owl box is no problem some woek is never done. How long before Molly will start another clutch? Thanks Carlos, Donna and Austin.
May 5, 2011 at 7:39 am
Please continue to keep in touch with us. This experience has been delightful. I am really enjoying my Ashley and Carrie calendar–great quality and precious pictures.
May 5, 2011 at 7:44 am
Thanks for the update, Carlos. They seemed different last night, so I thought the box might be empty this morning. I will miss seeing them today, but am grateful for the time we had together. Who knows they may come back to play around the box tonite.:-) It’s wonderful to celebrate four new owls in the world!
Have a fabulous day!
May 5, 2011 at 7:48 am
Carlos..thanks so much for sharing once again!!!
So many of us have a strong connection with Molly and McGee. ldgreene123
May 5, 2011 at 7:49 am
Carlos do you always clean out the owl box or does Molly?
May 5, 2011 at 7:52 am
Rather surprising after seeing three of them calling and waiting to be fed last night. Wonder if they will return at night yet. I hope Molly takes a bit of break to gain her strength before taking on motherhood again.
Thank you Carlos for the terrific peek into the wonderful world of Molly, McGee and this clutch. Tried watching the other boxes, but there’s no place like “home”! Your photos are stunning, your updates superb and I love the color night camera…it’s a real gem!
Finally, Happy Mother’s Day, Donna and Molly…you both have your lives back!
MoonDrops
May 5, 2011 at 7:55 am
Congratulations! Was there this morning to see the youngest one fly to the fledge ledge look around for the others, fly up to the roof like Wesley, look around and fly off to the palms, with another owl flying over the garage toward the palms. How beautiful to see a successful ending. Hope they hang out for a few more days. Carlos, get your mask and gloves fast, cleaning that box might be quite a challenge and who knows how much time you have! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
May 5, 2011 at 7:55 am
Oh, no! It’s too soon!
But then, I guess it’s always too soon.
They sure were having fun last night.
Thank you, Carlos and Donna and Austin.
May 5, 2011 at 7:56 am
Thanks so much for the opportunity to watch Molly & McGee’s third clutch, if only for a few nights. I love the color night camera!! You and Donna are super owl landlords :)
Happy Cinco de Mayo to you & Donna!
May 5, 2011 at 7:58 am
Thanks, Carlos. Will miss the owlets, but your site remains on my favorites bar, can’t bear to part with it.
May 5, 2011 at 7:58 am
Thank you Carlos and Donna for turning the cam on again for a little while. The Molly Box will always hold a special place in my heart and the “Original” experience I will never forget.
May 5, 2011 at 8:00 am
Carlos, Donna and Austin: thanks for the peek into the lives of the third clutch. Now I can get some sleep and maybe get some things done. Thanks for all the hard work and time. mandozee
May 5, 2011 at 8:05 am
Surely they can have a “Second honeymoon” now! Good parents! Love em, glad all are all right and on their own now! Hope you wear a gas mask while cleaning out the owl box, Carlos! I have appreciated all the beautiful pictures and the updates to your Spring and owls’ progress; thank you so much, you are truly a good neighbor.
May 5, 2011 at 8:07 am
Congratulations! Your owl box has housed yet another happy, successfully fledged owlet family!!!! Congrats to Molly and McGee and their new “empty nest”. I bet there won’t be much time for you to clean. I bet they’re set to start another clutch really soon. Enjoy and appreciate all of your updates and wonderful photos. We still want to hear from you….Sincerely, Bonnibell
May 5, 2011 at 8:11 am
I hope that Molly and McGee take some time off between this and the next clutch if only to give you time to get up there and clean out the gag shag…YUCK!. She also looked a bit tired after this set of owlets.
Loved the new color nite cam. Again thank you so much for turning on the camera for a little while and continuing to take and post your wonderful pictures.
I just recently ordered the framed tile picture of the 3rd clutch gang to add to my other Molly and McGee family portrait framed tiles.
Can’t wait for the 2nd clutch photo book to arrive.
May 5, 2011 at 8:13 am
Thank you Carlos, Donna and Austin for sharing this third clutch with all the MODs throughout the world.
I can see Carlos grabbing the rubber gloves, scooper, garbage bag, and ladder and running to the owl box to clean it out before Molly & McGee take up residence again. Notice that Carlos didn’t even bother to put up the For Lease sign
:-) – afterall, M&M don’t wait very long. I do hope they’ll hold off for awhile – until fall and not have a clutch in mid-summer.
May 5, 2011 at 8:23 am
Oh happy day :0)
~Amewday
May 5, 2011 at 8:24 am
Opps should have signed “Anewday”
Guess I was thrilled to hear the happy news.
May 5, 2011 at 8:28 am
So happy that the healthy and delightful “Series of Four” successfully made it from hatch to fledge. However, we all know that they might come back to “Home, Sweet Home” for a pajama party, if Molly & McGee have not decided to close the invisible door yet.
I did a Google search because I heard on the radio something about High Tech High where Austin goes. There was this interesting article from last month – Go High Tech High!
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/apr/22/high-tech-high-students-compete-for-barack-obama/
Graduation for Austin Faure, Graduation for our Series of Four Third Clutch (Yippee!)
May 5, 2011 at 8:28 am
OMGosh seeing the empty box brought tears. Thank you so much for turning the owl box back on. The new cams are magnificent. Blessings, JanKW
May 5, 2011 at 8:30 am
Carlos & Donna, thank you for letting us watch Molly’s third clutch. I’ll miss them but can catch up on some sleep before Molly & McGee start a new clutch.( I hope ) They were so much fun to watch and the camera is great! The owl box will always be #1 for our family, we’ve been with you since the start. Please keep in touch,I hope it won’t be to long till we see Molly back in the owl box! Take care, love from the east coast
May 5, 2011 at 8:42 am
Thanks for sharing Molly’s Third Clutch with us! Lots of activity this morning around The Owl Box. Got some great screenshots! No doubt they’ll be back to visit you tonight! Happy Mother’s Day, Donna! You gutz are absolutely the best! Love you! Love Molly and McGee and all the Royal Owls! God Bless you all!
May 5, 2011 at 8:46 am
Thank you for showing the 3rd clutch. I sure enjoyed all 3 clutches. I love the new view at night. Watching them fly so far has been wonderful. You have shown us a part of nature we could never have seen without you and your cameras. I love the blog too. The other sites are nice, but you give out so much information that your site will always be my favorite. I sure will miss this when you take it down.
May 5, 2011 at 8:55 am
Awwww…..hope Molly & McGee are planning their next clutch!teehee… Thanks Carlos for letting us see the success of this clutch! Hope this just keeps “keeping on”!!!
May 5, 2011 at 9:06 am
Carlos & Donna…Thank you so much for sharing M&M with us again.The third clutch so cute w/smooshy faces like Molly. Let us know if M&M move back in. I always loved watching Molly.
Anne (CrickInNeck)
PS. Big thank you to Vaca & Jill for sharing their chat w/all the Molly lovers.
May 5, 2011 at 9:13 am
New Fans – Comment about the WordPress Website for The Owl Box
If we know Carlos Royal, Mollys Box WordPress site will be up for years to come! In fact, even when there was no Owl Box activity to watch, Carlos provided fans with a Virtual Vacation to Canada complete with gorgeous photographs and descriptive narratives so grand that we felt like we went along with Carlos and Donna on their trip! “Make new friends, and keep thee old, one is silver and the other gold” – traditional song.
If you look at the Flag Counter for this website, you will see that new “viewers” have been checking in all along! Average for 30 days is 278 NEW Unique Viewers a day!
http://s01.flagcounter.com/more/RaSW
Check these statistics out for this page!
http://s01.flagcounter.com/more365/RaSW/1
Molly fans keep coming back because of the Molly Mantra (given to us by Carlos Royal – but I always put it in the “Present” tense, because it is a wonderful gift), “Gee this is fun, and we are a part of it!”
May 5, 2011 at 9:23 am
I got to recognize two–one looks just like Molly and the other like McGee (someone said he was the youngest). I was calling them MiniMolly and MiniLeggs in honor of Dad and Mom. :)
Thanks for the peek into these 4 new lives. Goodbye and fly high, little owlets!
May 5, 2011 at 10:00 am
I saw all four of Molly’s kidz playing on the fledge ledge and platform for about 20 minutes around 1:10 San Marcos time before all flying away. I kind of felt the one that we had not seen for several days came back to round up the other three to follow him/her away from the box.
I bet they come back for a little while tonight but for the most part will stay out of the box. Hope you get your chance to clean out the box Carlos. I have a feeling Molly and McGee will be returning to their Royal estate not too long from now.
A huge thanks and hug goes out to you for sharing this all with us.
Sending love from Colorado,
CastOwLRockCoL
May 5, 2011 at 10:01 am
VSue, you touched my heart also. Thanks for sharing!
Carlos and Donna, Thank you so much for sharing the Third Clutch with us!!
It has been a wonderful and uplifting experience (I have been fortunate to have share this from the very beginning). Molly, McGee and all 10 owlets have enriched my life.
Thanks cannot express the deep appreciation I feel for sharing this whole experience :>)
May 5, 2011 at 10:08 am
Again…such fun! and grateful am I for being a part of it.
May 5, 2011 at 10:57 am
Molly and McGee’s third clutch has fledged. Thank you for updates and beautiful pictures of our favorite owl family. “Gee this was fun”
May 5, 2011 at 11:01 am
Really miss the Chat and Social; they linked us all together. Our enormous gratitude to Carlos, Donna, Austin et al is matched only by our hopes for a full Clutch 4 experience…
May 5, 2011 at 11:11 am
May 5, 2010 – Memory Lane – Mollysbox WordPress
https://mollysbox.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/molly/
Awesome Royal photographs, and one of the closest “close-ups” of talons!
May 5, 2011 at 11:13 am
But they can’t leave until after mommy’s day!!! Oh what a short peek at the 3rd clutch… Maybe they will return tonight? I will check… I miss them already.
May 5, 2011 at 11:15 am
Thank you Royal family for all you do!!!! XXOO
May 5, 2011 at 11:41 am
Happy Mother’s Day, Molly. We’ll be waiting for your next batch….clutch! LOL
Happy Mother’s Day everyone.
May 5, 2011 at 11:55 am
I saw one of the babes early this AM on the kestrel box. I had a feeling it was ready to “fly the coop” Looking forward to another family. hint,hint
May 5, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Thank you so much for the joy of seeing more of Molly’s babies! This was an unexpected treat and was really special to me. I got to see treats delivered, and owlets practicing flight skills.The new camera is amazing!
I hope you and Donna will be able to have more vacation trips soon.
With much love and gratitude, Sarah
May 5, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Molly got a early Mom’s Day present, all the kids graduated and moved out of the house! Thanks, again, Carlos, for giving us a view into their world. It was fun!
May 5, 2011 at 12:49 pm
The box is empty ! A happy (kind of) day for the
owl family. M & M did another great job of
owlet rearing.
Thanks for the peek at the 3rd clutch.
May 5, 2011 at 1:06 pm
I saw the last one fly to cooler trees with fam this am, but expect them all back tonight to play and wait for food. They’re still getting fed. Shouldn’t be long before they’re all gone hunting, though. But the youngest still has a younger look. Ah, Carlos cleaning the cam! Hi, Carlos!
May 5, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Carlos, did you move the ob and playground before this 3rd clutch, or is it just the cam angle that’s different? Wider angle cam?
May 5, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Carlos and Donna,
Thank-You so very much for coming back from your vacation and quickly turning on the cameras for us to enjoy the last days of the Third Clutch. Your new outside night camera is unbelievably clear and has been something to look forward to-and especially in what has turned out to be a pretty depressing season with all of the widespread damage from the latest round of storms. Today I got a repair estimate for the hail damage done to my 2005 Buick-and it’s over $5400. With over 70 large dents, it looks less like a car and more like a golf ball on wheels. I wanted to mention that along with the great specials going on at CafePress.com, if anyone did not get their Molly Mug and mousepad with the wonderful photo that Donna took, Transferit is also having a sale. Thanks again and Happy Mother’s Day to Donna on Sunday.
May 5, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Link to Transferit for the Original Molly Memorabilia!
http://www.transferit.com/theowlbox/
May 5, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Hi, Mockz!
May 5, 2011 at 1:13 pm
So wonderful watching the 3rd clutch…oh, they will be swooping around at night I betcha!
Congrats to M & M, again!!!
Hugz from NE FL
Thank you Carlos, Donna, and Austin
May 5, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Oh, hello Mockz ! Thank Carlos, ; )
May 5, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Thank you for mentioning Mockz – I figured the outside cam must be on! Carlos is cleaning out some of the gag shag at this very moment, and because of your comment, I get to see it!
May 5, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Also if you go to Austin’s OB1 site and “toggle full screen” for the video, you get a beautiful view with a screenshot of 8 of the most recent past video photos showing below.
http://theowlbox1.com/Molly/OwlBox1.html
May 5, 2011 at 1:36 pm
All 4 have been back every night, but the oldest was back less, last night. Tonight should be interesting, to see what happens.
May 5, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Carlos, do you think they will come back play tonight?
and do you think it is possible for one of the young Krestrel hawk to come over to you place to nest?
Thank you Carlos, Donna and Austin.
May 5, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Carlos, this owl rescue org doesn’t seem to know what is really needed. Maybe you and/or Austin could provide some info? http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/may/01/hay-days-for-barn-owls/
May 5, 2011 at 2:29 pm
Carlos has already posted the Ustream recording of his Adventure in Gag Shag Removal: Part III for Clutch 3. I think he must have decided to take on the task while he had the opportunity (while the owls are sleeping Carlos is sweeping). He narrates this recording and gives some good advice about owl box placement and maintenance, while wearing a face mask, gloves, hat and a long sleeved shirt and pants.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/14503040
May 5, 2011 at 8:50 pm
PegRod, thanks for the link…was interesting to watch. ldgreene123
May 5, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Carlos Donna & Austin,
I sure have enjoyed watching the Owlets. Thanks for turning the Cameras On. It is great to know that The 3rd Clutch has Fledged.
Wow Carlos, You wasted no time in cleaning out the OwlBox. Molly will be so very happy! She can now relax On Mothers Day. What a wonderful present for her. We all thank you for letting us be a part of this extrordinary experience.
Blessings To The Royal Family,
Kathleen S
May 5, 2011 at 2:42 pm
LOL – No Sound Carlos!
May 5, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Ahhh, the sweet sounds of the many bird species in the Royal Gardens of San Marcos, California are back now.
May 5, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Carlos and Donna,
Funny how you had added to your family so much later in life! Thank you soooo much again for turning the camera on for a little bit in the 3rd clutch! Funny how different this clutch was in attitude and mannerisms.
Thanks!
Lajollaseal
May 5, 2011 at 3:19 pm
While I’m delighted for the adorable little owlets, I’m also filled with a sense of sadness that we can no longer watch their cute antics and behaviors. Farewell little islets, stay well and good hunting……..
May 5, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!
Thank you Carlos and Donna:)
Hugs to all!!
May 5, 2011 at 4:38 pm
So glad you allowed us to spend these last few days with the owlets. Thanks, Carlos & Donna! I will be watching for Austin’s new DVD! Let us know how the presentation goes. Please.
May 5, 2011 at 7:48 pm
wow…gone already…didn’t get a chance to see them today…hope they will be in again soon…
May 5, 2011 at 7:56 pm
I’m so sad but mayby now M & M can get some much needed rest.
May 5, 2011 at 9:42 pm
They seem to be back right now and have been there for awhile. The camera seems much clearer and it’s great to see it in color at night! Thank you so much!
May 5, 2011 at 9:47 pm
M & M Rock! Such wonderful owl “parents”. Thanks to the wonderful accommodations provided by C D A Royal Family.
So thankful to be a part of this (hopefully) epic journey….
BJ
May 6, 2011 at 4:01 am
4am: all 4 have been there a lot tonight. Lots of kissing, some sleeping, just hanging out together. M4 went into the box at least 1x, under 5 min. Checked it out first, since it looked different. All 4 have flown off at times, but came right back. Wish I could be online to see them choose day space in a little while, but prob won’t be.
May 6, 2011 at 4:47 am
4:46am: Just like old times–someone landed on the cam and knocked it into a different angle. Carlos, it’s so nice to see the view you had set, any chance of a nostalgic reprise of cam realigning?
May 6, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Just finished watching you clean out the owl box. Molly & McGee really have a thoughtful landlord. LOL Carlos your really dedicated to Molly & McGee and all of us mods. Thank You for all your efforts in bringing the magic of the owl box to the world.
May 7, 2011 at 6:19 am
Carlos, Donna and Austin, I have been ill this past week and have really enjoyed watching the third clutch. It gave me a lot of joy to be able to tune in and check in on the owlets 24/7. Thank you again for all that you do.
Deb in OH