[Mnbird] Bird Feather Identification?

[Miller Johnson]

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 <johnson-miller at msn.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 20, 2021 5:39 PM
To: Mnbird; MOU-NET at LISTS.UMN.EDU
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.