Hi,
Can you help with a puzzle please? This morning I found a pile of small mammal bones at the bottom of a fence post in local woods. Last year we had Long Eared Owls nesting in these woods and there are other owl species in the area too, so I am often on the lookout for owl activity in these woods, especially at this time of year. I have found few pellets so far this year, but then came across this this morning. I have found similar piles of bones in the past in another area, but assumed that they were old pellets where the softer material had dissolved away because of weather. That can't be the case with this find as it can only have been there a few days at most (I walk here regularly) and we have had very little rain in that time.
So, my question is, do owls sometimes just regurgitate bone without other pellet material?
Thanks in advance.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Wendy S said:Could something else either bird or mammal have picked through the pellets and taken the choice bits m? Fur would make good nest lining and some birds will still be maintaining there nests. Other than that I hope someone has thoughts on this.
I'm inclined to agree with Pete, plus, I've seen grey squirrels taking fur for their drays.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
MishMasher said:Thank you both. That hadn't occurred to me, but yes, there are a number of squirrels in the woods and many smaller nesting birds, so that could make a lot of sense :)
You're welcome