I thought it would be interesting to look at what the local owl populaton is eating. So I gathered up a couple of the dryer ones and took them home to dissect, something I've never actually done before!
After soaking them in warm water for 24 hours I very gently puddled them around a bit to separate the bones and drained then tipped them out onto some kitchen towel spread out to dry on the radiator. Next day was the exciting bit.
With aid of a magnifying glass and tweezer gently further separating all the various skulls jaws and other bones. I saved the skulls and jaws and discarded the rest (and fur of course).
So here are the three pretty much intact skulls.
These are the 6 pairs of lower jaws
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Having looked at the excellent Barn Owl identification page, I would guess the majority are from Field Voles as wood be expected. This my first attempt at this, but I hope to do a bit more science as the year progresses.
A picture I took last year by the Cherry orchard, a bit out of focus I know.
The North Kent Marshes are a very special area and worth preserving at all cost.