What did the killing?

[EnglishSpot2003]

I found a pile of feathers in my yard today, about 2 feet across. There were down feathers and wing/tail feathers. I identified them as a Flicker (wild bird). Now, in order to help protect my ducks and chickens, I'd like to know what killed this bird. We have Great Horned Owls, Red Tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Coopers Hawks, Kestrels. Any idea what would leave a pile of feathers out in the open? Right in the middle of the yard with NO cover whatsoever around it. The only thing left was feathers.

 

[sourland]

Typical of Cooper's hawks when they killed one of my pigeons.

 

[Swissmiss989]

In my experance. Birds of pray will eat their kill where it lays but there is usually parts of the birds left. A dog on the other hand will grab the bird rip feathers out and leave nothing but a pile of feathers. With coons, if they are large will only leave feathers and very few pieces of chicken. Hope that helps a little bit.