Sunday 18 September 2011

Tracks and Signs (1)

Barn Owl Pellet

On my travels looking at Wildlife I have often collected things like bird feathers and Pellets when I am lucky enough to find one. So it got me thinking that it would be good to introduce a new section on my blog called Tracks and Signs.

The First one is of a Barn Owl Pellet I found in Somerset close to were a pair of Barn Owls roost.


After allowing the pellet to soak for a while I used tweezers to prize away the pellet as it is a mass of fur. Then managed to locate the skulls and bones of what the Owl had digested.
Above is the Skulls and also some of the bones of what I understand is a Vole but this is to be confirmed.

                            The larger skull does look somewhat different to the smaller skull.
In the next Tracks and Signs I will be starting to look at Feathers collected.

5 comments:

  1. So very fascinating! I believe we have a few Barred Owls living on our property but I have never found a pellet before. I will have to keep my eyes open. Looking forward to your upcoming feather post!

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  2. Hi Julie,

    Thank you for visiting and the message. This is something I have been interested in for many years. Just find were your Barred Owls roost and the Pellets should be close by. John

    Hi Karen,

    Nice to hear from you. I will be posting a review of a few books on Tracks and Signs in the coming weeks. Gives a great idea of what to look for. John

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  3. ...pretty cool, John! My son did this earlier this summer and last summer too. I'll have to have him check out your post. I know he will love it! :-)

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  4. Thank you Kelly,

    I have been really interested in looking at Pellets you cab gage just how well our Owls are faring. Just need to find more. John

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