When raptors kill other raptors, they leave talon marks which can be found on
the carcasses (if they do not also consume them). As you might suspect, these
are deep stab wounds, typically curved. These wounds can be found by ruffling
back the feathers, particularly in areas where blood can be seen, and places
where the feathers seem disturbed. Body feathers are sometimes pulled down into
the wounds. The wounds are easier to find and examine while skinning the bird,
but I am not recommending this unless you have the proper permits, etc.
Wayne
From: "Jack Williamson" <jack.williamson.jr@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "obol" <obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, March 20, 2016 7:31:02 PM
Subject: [obol] Re: Question regarding dead barn owl
Two related observations.
The first was a carcass of a Red-tailed Hawk we found in an area of Champoeg
State Park (a few years ago) that was inhabited by both Great Horned and Barred
Owls. The deceased was identified by the feathers and bones that were left
behind. The hypothesized ID of the suspect was never widely agreed to.
The second was our recent out-of-state sighting of three owls (2 Barn, 1
Long-eared) roosting in the same tree that was less than a hundred feet away
from another tree that was host to an active Red-tailed Hawk nest.
http://www.jack-n-jill.net/blog/2016/3/san-jacinto-wildlife-area---riverside-county-california
My conclusion is large owls (including the sweet-looking Barn Owl) do not fear
the Red-tailed Hawk.
Owl's superior night vision, near silent flight, and the fact that they don't
build but often take over nests of others, makes me wonder what
species-territory would you choose to invade if you were a large nocturnal owl
- if not the Red-tailed Hawk's?
Your thoughts, as always, are greatly appreciated.
Jack Williamson
West Linn, Oregon
