A quick update. I had looked on the wonderful Fish and Wildlife Feather Atlas 
site ( https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/search.php ) and couldn't find my 
feathers. I even started to think I may have a mishmash of two different 
species. The primary wing feathers were about 7"/18cm long and a plain grayish 
brown, like a very large Robin might have. The downy feathers that seemed to be 
from the chest area were mottled and patterned, looking more like an Eastern 
Screech or Saw-whet Owl, but the website doesn't seem to include them in their 
data base. 

So, I had looked through the raptors and owls because of the size of the 
feathers and our property is a woodland/prairie mix, and couldn't find the 
right combination. That's when I turned to this group for advice. After 
prodding from a few wonderful members, I went back in more determined. And 
using more imagination.

I think I have a female Mallard! I don't know where it came from and I don't 
know who ate it, but that would certainly make someone a tasty treat.

Thanks to all,

Molly
________________________________________
From: Miller Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2021 5:39 PM
To: Mnbird; [email protected]
Subject: Bird Feather Identification?

Greetings,

Does anyone have a suggestion on how I can identify a bunch of feathers that I 
found on our property last spring? I have photos.

Thanks in advance.

Molly Miller
Inver Grove Hts, MN
Dakota Co.

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