Hi All
I would love some input about a dead Barred Owl found near Johnsons Landing,
BC on Oct 2, 1999 at about 8:00am. It was found on a hiking trail in a
forested area. The body was still limp at that time (no rigor mortis). There
are no apparent wounds except for a small dark spot at the base of the upper
mandible. There have been Northern Goshawks, Northern Harriers and Red-tails
in the area for the last few weeks. Several local chickens have fallen
victim to various hawks in the last month. We always have Common Ravens. It
was found at least a quarter mile from any building.

I also need input on how old this bird might be. I checked Pyle for aging
criteria. The weight of the birds is approx. 450g, wing length is about
30cm, and tail length is about 20 cm. These measurements suggest to me that
it a juvenile (HY to banders, of which I'm not one). However, the pattern of
the white areas on the primary coverts is the adult pattern found in Pyle
(p. 88), as is the central retrix pattern.

Any ideas are most welcome.

Thanks in advance
Gail Spitler
Johnsons Landing, BC
NOTICE THE NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS
mailto:spitler at direct.ca