Megan's Nature Nook
Nature Notes, Phenology, Photography, Fun Facts, Trips, Maybe Even a Bad Joke or Two... and More!
Last night we got about four inches of fresh snow which was a welcomed sight after the melting and snow/sleet/rain we had earlier this week. Since it was such a nice day and we had fresh snow I took advantage of it and went for a hike after lunch. I figured that during my hike I would find the usual animal signs like tracks and maybe even some scat, but I found more than I guessed I would! Early on in my hike I found two small, down feathers. After getting a closer look, I stood back up, turned around, and on the other side of the trail under some small trees there were a bunch more feathers. I happened upon a murder scene! A Northern Cardinal was the meal for a raptor (there were no tracks so it wasn’t a mammal). It was most likely a Cooper’s or Sharp-shined Hawk. Although, Barred and Long-eared Owls will also eat Cardinals. All that was left of the Cardinal was a small chunk of meat and plenty of feathers. Whenever I see something like this with feathers from song birds strewn about, I always feel a little bit bad. I enjoy watching those birds at the feeders and flitting through the woods and I hate to see them gone. But, on the other hand, raptors need to eat, too and they work hard to get their food. For the songbirds we put out feeders and it’s an easy food source. We can’t exactly do the same for raptors to make it easier for them. Although I suppose in a way, when we put out feeders and bring in the songbirds, it is kind of like a birdie buffet for the raptors – if they’re quick enough.
2 Comments
Darla
2/23/2018 08:55:04 pm
Remember when you solved the murder in my back yard? Sad to loose a cardinal, love seeing them
Reply
Megan Betcher
2/24/2018 07:20:38 am
I was thinking about your Northern Flicker murder when I found this!
Reply
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