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Thread: Predator competitor

  1. #1
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    Default Predator competitor

    I posted a pic of a grouse in full strut chasing hens less than 2 weeks ago and enjoyed watching them around the property. Well, that did not last long as I saw movement in the back this afternoon and took a walk to investigate. Busted this guy red "clawed" snacking on one of them. He lifted off the ground and perched himself starting a staring contest. This is in broad daylight!

    So, if you ever wondered why there is a decline in ruffed grouse you can add one of these guys to your list of competitors seen here with a death grip on the dangling bird.

    Last edited by impact; January 23rd, 2017 at 06:15 PM.

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  3. #2
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    Owls have been eating grouse for thousands of years.

    Sent from my SM-T560NU using Tapatalk
    "The language of dogs and birds teaches you your own language."
    -- Jim Harrison (1937 - 2016)

  4. #3
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    If you've ever been out with a falconer, you know what many birds of prey are capable of. Whether thats flying through scrub like a kamikaze, or their ability to put prey down quickly. Mice, voles etc might be their most common diet, but many of them will take anything up to the size of a rabbit, small dog. Their fair game and "easy prey" as well.

    Most owls, are far deadlier than most raptors with more power in their talons ( pounds pressure) along with silent flight and better hearing. And other birds are certainly on the menu, including Hawks and other owls, especially for Great Horned Owls. Ive watched a barred owl ( pictured above) go after other birds many times.

    Theres some thought ( which I happen to agree with) that the resurgence of various Birds of Prey in many parts of Ontario is like a few other factors prominent in diminishing small game numbers. In particular the Great grey Owl in Algonquin.
    Last edited by JBen; January 23rd, 2017 at 06:28 PM.

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    haha lol.

    On the upside Barred Owls are the most "approachable", tend not to take off and will often let a person quite close. They also tend to winter in the same location, where-as many others might only hang around for a few days before moving somewhere else.

    Decent chance you'll see him or her again.

  6. #5
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    Real nice C.

  7. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by JBen View Post

    Decent chance you'll see him or her again.
    Don't want to see the owl again.... It's cleaning out my bush......(....lol

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by welsh View Post
    Owls have been eating grouse for thousands of years.
    ^^this^^.

    In circumstances where predation is actually a problem, this is usually an indicator of poor habitat. An upland bird population with good cover can usually withstand predators.
    "What calm deer hunter's heart has not skipped a beat when the stillness of a cold November morning is broken by the echoes of hounds tonguing yonder?" -Anonymous-

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