Muskrats will eat freshwater mussels I know but don't think they are much of a carnivore, nutria are not very wide spread in Maryland.  Otter may be unlikely depending on how small the pond is, you left out a possible candidate which is a true carnivore and will often take prey larger then itself which resemebles a smallish otter.  I think your predator may have been a mink.


On 05/22/12, Dan Haas wrote:

I just watched a ______ capture, kill and make off with a DC Cormorant at a small pond. Your choices are nutria, muskrat, beaver or river otter. I saw the mammal's head only for a brief moment. I am leaning towards River Otter, but I didn't know Cormorant was on their menu. Anyone have any insight?

Also, Fred Shaffer found a Sanderling, a few Semi Sands and a Least Sand (along with perhaps other good birds?) at Sandy Point SP late this afternoon.

Good Birding,

Dan Haas
St. Margaret's, MD
Nervousbirdsatgmail.con

Sent from my iPhone
############################

To unsubscribe from the MDOSPREY list:
write to: mailto:[log in to unmask]
or click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MDOSPREY&A=1

############################

To unsubscribe from the MDOSPREY list:
write to: mailto:[log in to unmask]
or click the following link:
http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=MDOSPREY&A=1