A Year In The Life - Day 220, December 27, 2014

Life is hard out there in winter.  Just ask this guy.  Came across this carcass in the snow, and the mice had eaten so much of it that there wasn't really much to identify what species of hawk it used to be. Maybe a Northern Goshawk, maybe a Kestrel?...it is a pretty small raptor, that much is for sure.  Thought that what remained of his skull and feet were cool enough to take some pics.  A reminder that everything is tough out there when you're a wild animal, no matter how far up or down the chain you are, and even the critters that you eat to stay alive, may come back for a little return when you go yourself...