Fox, Owl or hawk or anything else....

[Dogghound]

The two big ones about 1.5 to 2inch in length

This group of pellets were found in an area of open, mixed woodland. The area has plenty of Tawny owls, Kestrels and Foxes. Which are my three contenders for these pellets although im open to other options. They were made up of fur and mainly feathers. I found a similar but one last year which was larger about 4 to 5inch which turned out to be a fox scat. Are these the same? Although it wasnt in a little group like these.

Thankyou.

[RobinP]

I would hazard a guess at an Owl; Kestrels don't usually take birds so the presence of feathers would rule them out, and the size is too small for a fox.

As they are a reasonable size and in woodland either Tawny or Long-eared Owl.

[Dogghound]

I didnt think tawny owls would eat many birds either though? thats why i thought maybe a fox? Sparrowhawks around but to big for them i would of thought. I often find these.

[ladyhawk]

defininate a bird of prey of some sort, kestrels pellets taper at one end and buzzards as well but not so much plus there is hair and small mammals bones like mice or voles owl pellets are usually found under the tree where they roost,

[Dogghound]

Cheers for the info both of you.

[willing to learn]

They have to be owl Castings (pellets) the only thing thats a bit confusing is that they mainley feed on small mammals, but can take the odd Bird Hawks and falcons castings do not contain bone their dietary track dissolves bone and their castings only include feathers and fur in general.
Regards
Colin

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by willing to learn

They have to be owl Castings (pellets) the only thing thats a bit confusing is that they mainley feed on small mammals, but can take the odd Bird Hawks and falcons castings do not contain bone their dietary track dissolves bone and their castings only include feathers and fur in general.
Regards
Colin

Thanks alot Colin. Very useful info. So to take it a step further is it possible to ID species? most likely tawny in this area but there is the odd long eared owl present.

[willing to learn]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

Thanks alot Colin. Very useful info. So to take it a step further is it possible to ID species? most likely tawny in this area but there is the odd long eared owl present.

Being in woodland, I would go for a tawny.
Regards
Colin

[honedan]

HI,

If you go to the barn owl trust they have pictures of all the common owl and hawk pelletts. In the web site search pellets.

hope this helps.

By the way looks like tawney to me.

dan

[blueboar]

You can always tell if it is a fox dropping.

Usually its about 3 inches long and they have a distinct curl at the thin end and normally find 2 together.