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January 23rd, 2017, 05:27 PM
#1
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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January 23rd, 2017 05:27 PM
# ADS
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January 23rd, 2017, 05:59 PM
#2
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)
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January 23rd, 2017, 06:24 PM
#3
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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January 23rd, 2017, 07:09 PM
#4
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.
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January 23rd, 2017, 07:34 PM
#5
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January 23rd, 2017, 07:51 PM
#6
Originally Posted by
JBen
Decent chance you'll see him or her again.
Don't want to see the owl again.... It's cleaning out my bush......(....lol
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January 24th, 2017, 09:51 AM
#7
Has too much time on their hands
Originally Posted by
welsh
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-