From Alastair Proud: With reference to the dead buzzard and barn owl found at Castlemartin Corse it is always interesting to know what condition the bird was in. This can be done by feeling either side of the breastbone. If the bird is emaciated and has starved to death the sternum will be sharp and with little muscle on either side. Also if a bird of prey (not an owl as they do not have a crop) a feel above the breastbone will tell if it has food in the crop.
If the bird is fat and in good
condition the cause of death (providing that there is no obvious damage)
could be more sinister, poisoning or shooting?
This
is merely a suggestion for others and it is something I would always
do. Maybe as an artist I want to complete the picture and know what the
bird was doing and why is it dead?