Goldfish Predator Opinions?-Carcass Pics

[JRS]

Woke up late this morning to find the remains of one of my goldfish. Have not had to deal with predators in quite a while. Familiar with raccoons getting in a pond and stirring everything up while hunting. Designed this with high sides to prevent and no other signs.

Still fairly fresh, moisture running down rock. Seems like a dainty eater, just a few scales scattered around. Inside of carcass cleaned out. Perhaps a cat? Small Hole in side made me think of a bird?

Thanks

 

[JRS]

Update: getting strange here.

Went back out a bit later to cut the grass and I see a crow eating a goldfish in the same spot as the other one which I had thrown into our small patch of woods about 50' from the pond.

I saw my remaining 4 out of 5 goldfish so apparently the crow found the fish and brought it back to the pond. Get done cutting the grass, looking at the pond and see my original 5 out of 5 goldfish. So, apparently the crow got this fish somewhere else and brought it to my pond and an unknown neighbor is missing a fish?

 

[brokensword]

or, you had too many after-grass-cutting drinks when you did the counting?

 

[Tula]

I wonder if the crow brought it to your pond for a water source while eating it? Do any of your neighbors have ponds?

 

[JRS]

I was wondering that. it has been very dry here. I assume someone must have another pond but none I know of close.

 

[j.w]

Now that is strange!

 

[Lisak1]

It does appear to be a bird. A raccoon or a skunk would have swallowed that one whole. Weird!

We once had some friends over and they were checking out the pond. He says "oh man, looks like you have a dead fish here!" It was a bluegill! Some bird must have snagged it from one of our natural ponds in our neighborhood and dropped it on a fly over!

 

[JRS]

Since I have posted this, the remains of two more goldfish have been left by my pond, as well as those of a baby bird. Got a good look at my fish today and all are present and accounted for so someone in the area has lost at least three so far.

In researching crows, it seems they are noted food dippers so they like waterside dining. I imagine something must be scaring them away from the source pond to my nice peaceful backyard. I just hope the locals do not become as accomplished fishers as this fellow or my fish could be in trouble too:

 

[Tula]

Oh dear....poor baby bird and gold fish.....but quite fascinating !

 

[mrsclem]

Seems like you have the best waterfront dining table! Just be glad they are not expecting you to feed them