predator activity
Observation | Kill site evidence |
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Photos / SoundsWhatMountain Beaver (Aplodontia rufa)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionHighest feeding sign ~4’ above ground. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatWeasels (Subfamily Mustelinae)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionSheared feathers. Shear line at different distances from attachment points (multiple small shearing bites?). Brain and top of skull eaten. Meat delicately picked off keel bone. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatPurple Finch (Haemorhous purpureus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionCutting the base of the flower from the petiole. Presumably feeding on nectar or embryo at the base of the flower. Thousands of cut flower beneath the tree. Seem to focus on many flowers in single clusters. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatShort-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionPellet. Many dozens found in open on ground (ground perching) along dikes. ASFL common here in winter. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatBald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionPellet. Beneath perch commonly used by bald eagles. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatLong-eared Owl (Asio otus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionAt least 8 pellets below perch. Deer mice and voles. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatYellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionPairs moving in and out of nests |
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Photos / SoundsWhatBroad-footed Mole (Scapanus latimanus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionTunnels vary in depth from half-round to fully underground, with some retaining a slight roof of grass and veg only. Three tunnels within ~1/4 acre, all ending in large throw mound seen in photo 4. No latrines or grass clippings seen in tunnels. |
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WhatLoggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionCommon side blotched lizard clamped (not skewered) between thorns of palo verde 4’ above ground. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatSquirrels (Family Sciuridae)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionNumerous digs and burrows. Streamside in sandy as well as rocky soil. Usually around the structure of boulders or root masses. No scats found outside burrows. |
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Photos / SoundsWhatAmerican Badger (Taxidea taxus)Observerthompsonmark23DescriptionEntrance ~ 25 cm wide. Gray fox or coyote? Rocky soil. No claw marks on sides. Descends steeply at greater than 45 degrees. In bank of small dry wash. |
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