I had a quick look in HANZAB and did not find a mention of Wedge-tailed
Eagles having included Echidna in their diet. I am a little surprised at that, although
they are obviously a difficult prey item. Could of course have been taken as
dead - carrion, such as road kill, as is a lot of their food. You probably do
have other large raptors locally, even if you have not identified them. I agree
that a WtE is the most likely cause. Hard to think of what other predator it
could be. Though likely, that is not proof. And yes a daunting thought to have
eaten this, then bring up spines as a pellet. The same applies whatever
predator it was. So it is not common knowledge and would be worthy of note.
Philip
From: Birding-Aus
[ On Behalf Of Mike
Fitzgerald
Sent: Tuesday, 9 June, 2020 3:11 PM
To:
Subject: [Birding-Aus] casting
We
found on our property at Barkers Vale NSW what appeared to be a raptor casting.
On examination of contents it contained 100% echidna bits, all spines and one
toe/claw. Having handled many of these, it is a somewhat daunting prospect as a
prey item for a raptor, but I understand is recorded in Wedge Tailed Eagles.
The only large raptors observed on our place have been WTE and Sooty Owl.
Haven't heard the Sooty lately but have seen the wedgies overhead. Apologies if
this is common knowledge or unremarkable but it is another data point (!), but
the thought of thought of those sharp spines travelling in both directions
through a predator is pretty clever, if a tad uncomfortable.
Would
love to hear if this is a common thing and whether folks agree WTE most likely?
