What's with all the feathers? (1 Viewer)

S

suzka50

New member

• Dec 20, 2018

• #1

This morning,when I went to fill my feeders, I noticed a bunch of feathers under a pine tree. It looks like something may have killed a bird, but there is no evidence, just feathers. Later I noticed the same scene under another pine tree about 20 feet away. I live in northern NJ in a pretty wooded area and I am wondering if anyone can shed some light as to what might have happened? As long as I"ve been feeding wild birds (about 26 years) I have never seen anything like this! I presume it is from mourning doves, as they usually roost in the pines around my house.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Dec 20, 2018

delia todd

If I said the wrong thing it was a Senior Moment

Staff member

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Dec 20, 2018

• #2

Hi again suzka.

As you'd already said Hello, I've moved this post to the Information Wanted forum, which would be better suited to your question, I think.

So that you can find it easily, I've also subscribed you to the thread. You'll be notified of any replies. It's easy to unsubscribe whenever you want.

 

S

suzka50

New member

• Dec 20, 2018

• #3

Thank you!

 

KC Foggin

Very, very long time member

Supporter

• Dec 20, 2018

• #4

Sounds as though a Bird of Prey snatched the bird and moved on with it to finish stripping it before eating it or carrying it away.

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Dec 20, 2018

• #5

Sounds like the remains of a hawk kill, Sharp-shinned or Cooper’s perhaps. In a common scenari, the kill is made on or near the ground where it’s partly or wholly plucked before being carried off into a tree or other high perch and eaten.

Edit:
Oops, see that KC’s beaten me to the punch on this one. . ..

 

Last edited: Dec 20, 2018

M

mhteo

New member

• Jan 25, 2019

• #6

Try looking for any stray animal in the area, that is feeding on these birds. This could be the work of a cat or any other wild animal. Also, check for the presence of any predatory bird in the woods.