SAN MARCOS, Calif.—
A barn owl that took up residence in a San Marcos couple's back yard is gaining national attention, thanks to the Internet.In January, Molly the barn owl moved in to the owl barn Carlos and Donna Royal put up in their yard. The barn sat empty for about two years before Molly showed up. Carlos said he and his wife of nearly 50 years were thrilled.
"Oh, it's just like being a grandpa," Carlos said. "It's really been exciting."
The owl barn had a Web camera attached to the inside so the Royals decided to stream the images live online. Rapt viewers watched Molly lay five eggs. One owlet hatched as thousands watched online. The Royals named the chick Max. Molly's live stream has garnered nearly 2 million page views from all over the United States and 25 other countries.
"It's been crazy. I tell you, we never really expected this," said Donna. "(People are watching) from Japan, Fiji, Ireland, England, Australia -- it just goes on and on."
Carlos said he thinks the public fascination comes from people who enjoy watching a mother take care of her young. He said people tell him all the time, "'She's so addicting. It's like I have to keep coming back and checking in. did anything happen?' There's so much excitement and drama around this very common barn owl."
The Royals are turning this opportunity into a teachable moment. Thousands of classrooms across the country have picked up the feed and students are checking in with Molly every day. Carlos said he Skypes with the students during class, answering their questions and teaching them about conservation. He hopes the thousands that are logged on at any given momen are also learning the importance of taking care of nature.
"The idea is that, when this is over, all those people are experts on barn owls," he said.
The Royals said they expect Molly's second owlet will hatch this week. They plan to name it Pattison, after a school in Ohio that has been monitoring Molly's progress.
