 It
wasn't easy, but Penelope finally made it to the door this morning. After
being blocked by Spencer on more than a dozen attempts, she caught him off
guard as he stretched his wings and popped through into the daylight. She
only stayed for about ten seconds on this first trip, but it gave her the
confidence for many more visits before sunset. As is typical for an
owlet's first trips to the door, none of them lasted for more than a few
seconds, but it was an important start. Perching in the doorway helps them
build up the endurance that they will need to cling to a branch after they
leave the nest and it takes a while. All of her other trips were made
while Spencer was on the floor and two of them ended when he jumped up
onto her back and almost pushed her out the door. She clung the door in
both cases, but then retreated back into the nest seconds later to let
Spencer reclaim his position. He can now remain in the door for more than
an hour and looks like he is ready to depart at any moment. The only
question is whether Penelope will be ready to go with him. There were no
daylight food deliveries today, but Ward and June again brought it in at a
furious pace just after sunset, with some deliveries less than five
minutes apart. |