The owl tree has wood-decay fungus. The specialist came today and said the base is badly damaged and leaving the tree as-is will be impossible. The truly excellent news is that the specialist is One Of Us, and was able to recommend an owl strategy. We are going to strip the tree down dramatically, leaving the nest but not many branches, and then leave it for (hopefully) a year to see what the owls think about a fancy new owl box positioned in the next tree over.
I’m tremendously sad about the tree itself, and more than a little anxious about displeasing Daphne. So your continued good thoughts are welcome. Fingers crossed and then some!
