Don't look if you are squeamish!

One less Meadow Vole in the world! Several of us were treated to this sight a few days ago - a Northern Hawk Owl having a snack. We were talking about it yesterday and it sounds like maybe these owls remove and discard the intestines and then eat the rest of the rodent? I also got a photo of the hind legs and tail disappearing into the owl's mouth, but unfortunately it came out blurry : ) Oh, and I removed two very ugly branches.

Really, when you think about it, what's the difference between this image and what we do ourselves, when we sit down for a meal of beef, pork, chicken, turkey and so on? Yes, I feel for the little Vole, but I am also happy that this gorgeous Owl is having a good meal.

The Northern Hawk Owl is a medium-sized owl, about 35 centimetres (14 inches) long. It is rare to uncommon in Alberta, year round. Apparently, it is one of Alberta's most sought-after birds.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Hawk_Owl/id/ac

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hawk-Owl