Avery et al. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report FWS/OBS-78/58, 1978) recently summarized known avian mortality at man-made structures. In addition, Fitzner (Raptor Research 9:55–57, 1975) reported collisions of one Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) and one Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) with barbed-wire fences. This note describes four additional cases of barbed-wire-caused mortality.
On 22 September 1973, in Whatcom County, Washington, Skriletz found a dead Barn Owl (Tyto alba) hanging by its right wing from the top strand of a 3-strand barbed-wire fence. The fence was located in an area characterized by marshes and wet meadows.