Dr. Rob came tonight to try to catch Ned with a different strategy. Since owls are territorial and mate for life, they do not take kindly to other male suitors. So, Rob put out a life-like stuffed owl surrounded but a net that would capture Ned when he went after this scoundrel invading his territory and trying to woo his woman. Ned hooted and took some dives but never came close enough for capture. Rob took the stuffed owl away and then put up the platform with the mouse which almost always catches Ned's interest. Ned was too busy congratulating himself for scaring off the competition and Nellie was actually pretty impressed with her man. They cavorted back and forth for a while ("HOOO the owl?! Huh? Huh? HOOO the owl now, woman?" "Oh, Ned. You the only Hooter for me.") and then we saw the cigarette smoke. You would have thought he would have been hungry but for some reason, he had no interest. He was resting on his laurels. Since Ned has been hard to catch, Rob is going to concentrate on some other pairs (he has about 20 that he's watching). He will come back when Nellie is sitting on the nest and possibly bring a live owl from the Raptor Center and bring in some real competition. As much activity as there as been, Nellie may be looking forward to getting some rest in the box. She should be laying eggs any time now.
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