Animal Related Finds While Detecting In The Woods

I have spent the winter and spring detecting the wooded hills along the Milwaukee River in Milwaukee, WI. I've found enough to keep me going back; some silver dimes, a couple of pieces of silver jewelry and two Indian Head cents.

I've also had some interesting finds related to deceased animals. I see lots of deer, including skeletons, and last week saw a coyote running through the trees and almost stepped on a snake.

As I walked through the woods two days ago, I looked down and noticed a big piece of animal bone stuck to the front of my boot. I must have scooped it up with my foot as I went through the woods. I have no idea as to the animal or the type of bond.




I found a small skull that same day. I took it home and my daughter did some research. She decided it was from a skunk due to the type and number of teeth.




Finally, I found a metal bird band. I thought it was from a pigeon, but again my daughter did some online research and found that it was a band from a fledgling Cooper's Hawk. The bird was banded in the Milwaukee area in 2006. They have a life expectancy of eight years, so it was lying on the ground for at least a decade.




I am still hoping for major coin and jewelry discoveries, but these were all interesting to come across on the same day.