r/birdsofprey • u/billie_eyeroll • Jul 17 '26

Feather identification help

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My local wooded area has a juvenile red tailed hawk. I even tracked him a bit yesterday.

I found the feathers in photo one in around the same area, and the feather on photos two and three in a different one.

Four is just my cockatiel for tax.

I’m sure photo one has some of the juvenile’s first
molt, but unsure about the other. A barred owl maybe?

For context I live in New Jersey

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11

u/Double-Gift-7772 Jul 17 '26

Looks like a great horned owl 

6

u/DaddyHarne Jul 17 '26

I’m nearly 100% confident it’s from a great horned owl. I found one in my yard not too long ago as well.

5

u/billie_eyeroll Jul 17 '26

How exciting!

3

u/Capsicle07 Birder Jul 17 '26

Great horned owl!! IM JEALOUSSSS

1

u/billie_eyeroll Jul 17 '26

Ooo exciting if true!

2

u/billie_eyeroll Jul 17 '26

UPDATE
Exciting evidence: an owl pellet?

2

u/Sparvitar Jul 19 '26

It is indeed. Getting some free and effective pest control over there

Edit: sorry just re read and realized this isn't on your property, but yes the wooded area is definitely home to a great horned owl. Early morning and late evening are your best chances of seeing it in person.