[DianneCoo]

Hello birders:
What avian predator would catch a Long-billed Curlew, fly to a smooth-topped stump, pluck off the secondaries and tertiaries, rip off both wings - still attached to each other. Then drop down to the ground and rip off some more feathers, then hop over to another spot more protected by small bushes, pieces of wood and rip off some more feathers?

I am thinking it isn't a Raven because it is being too particular. The clipping-off of the wings makes me think it is something preparing a meal for it's fledglings.

What do you think? Raptors seen in the area include Cooper's Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Bald Eagle, and Red-tailed Hawk.

https://flic.kr/p/Xs3gFV

tags: predation, predate,

Thank you!

[northvanrob]

Peregrine Falcon's regularly feed on shorebirds, perhaps this is the culprit!

[DianneCoo]

Peregrine. Yes, could be! Would they be strong enough to clip off the wings?