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Golden eagle pellet - deer remains |
Golden eagle pellet - hedgehog remains |
Golden eagle pellet - sheep and grouse remains |
Raptor pellets are the indigestible parts of the prey (e.g. fur, bones, feathers) that could damage or block the bird’s digestive tract and so are regurgitated through the oesophagus after a meal. When pulled apart and identified, the tightly packed contents of a pellet can provide information about the characteristics of a species’ diet. Thus pellet analysis is a useful, non-invasive tool in raptor ecology studies, especially for understanding the dietary habits of secretive and/or wide-ranging raptors.
Currently, in collaboration with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (Banchory), Haworth Conservation and RSPB, we are making comparison of the diet of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) breeding in adjacent ranges in western Scotland.(Click here to read an overview of this project.)
The Sea Eagle Project Team is a collaborative group of organizations and individuals that promote sea eagle conservation in Scotland. Natural Research works with the team and its members.
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