A Northcliff home becomes a safe dwelling for a family of owls
Seen by the homeowner as a blessing, the owls' presence makes him feel honoured
When Northcliff resident Brian Wylie first spotted an owl nestled inside a concrete block on his driveway wall in early January, he sensed something unusual was unfolding. His gardener mentioned the bird had been there for weeks, and from that moment, Wylie began quietly monitoring the visitor each day.
Two weeks later, the mystery revealed itself: two fluffy owlets appeared beside their mother. “When these two chicks emerged, I was elated,” Wylie said. “To my mind, this is a very rare occasion taking place in the open in one’s garden.”
Read more: Spotted eagle-owl found sickly in Fairland on the mend
Owls are not strangers to his property as they often perch on his patio balustrades, but this was different. The mother had chosen a concrete block on the wall on his driveway as a nesting site, later moving slightly higher into a lavender bush to give the fast-growing chicks more space and protection. “She’s not easily visible now, and is no doubt there to protect her young.”
The presence of the owl family has shifted Wylie’s daily routine. He checks on them every day, hoping to capture their rapid development on camera. He describes feeling honoured and protective of his quiet, nocturnal neighbours, as he considers the experience that very few people in the world can enjoy.
Also read: Trapped by old barbed wire, young owlet freed on Melville Koppies
There have been moments of awe and a little fear. On two occasions, Wylie unknowingly approached too close to the adult owl perched just a few metres away. “It started hissing and opened its wings as if to attack if I came closer. It was frightening, but when I backed away, it calmed down.”
Neighbours have followed the story through photos he has shared on the local WhatsApp group, responding with delight. For Wylie, though, the experience carries a deeper meaning, considering the experience as an absolute blessing. “They could have gone anywhere else, but they chose my home.” He urged fellow community members to be more aware of their blessings, as events such as this are very special.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
