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Connections: Examining bird pellets

Maine Audubon’s mission is to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. Today, that mission seems more important than ever. Our educators, scientists, advocates, and naturalists are committed to keeping you connected to the natural world as we deal with the coronavirus situation together. Check in every weekday on our Connections page for family activities, parent/teacher tips, backyard birding, nature exploration at our sanctuaries, and live events.

Staff naturalist Doug Hitchcox made this video a few years ago, but it’s just too good not to share again. Since birds often swallow their meals whole, they consume materials they can’t digest, and they have to regurgitate it in the form of a pellet. If you come across a pellet, consider taking a second look and, with supervision, gloves, and tweezers, dissect it to see what you can find!