20160916 Mystery Feathers
The feathers shown here were collected in early September at a kill site. The kill evidence was a fresh pile of internal organs from an Eastern Cottontail; the Rabbit's body had been carried away. This Rabbit had been killed during the night. There were a few feathers around the gut pile; most of them were damaged. These feathers were likely torn from the predator bird by the thrashing legs of the Rabbit. The best two feathers were collected for ID. The most likely predators for this kill site are Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl. The colour and appearance of these breast feathers leads towards the ID of Great Horned Owl. Since I am not 100% sure of this ID, I would really appreciate feedback.
(Photographed September 16, 2016 - feathers were collected in early September near Seagrave, Ontario, Canada)
Read More(Photographed September 16, 2016 - feathers were collected in early September near Seagrave, Ontario, Canada)