There were several carcasses along the route I took on my afternoon walk. The first was a duckling, about 4 to 5 weeks old.
Without any outward markings such as torn feathers I assume that the duckling got lost and starved.
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This was fairly fresh, to my estimation about 24-36 hours. The fly eggs were small and only on the fluffy feathers, not around the eyes or beak.
The eyes, though, were completely sunken in and clouded over, indicating to me that it was over 24 hours since the death.
I'm starting to sound like an animal forensics specialist. Perhaps I am just watching too many FBI files... Well, perhaps CSI!
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I then came across what I am assuming was a rabbit. The only thing left, besides a few fluffs of gray fur, was entrails.
I looked around and could not find bones, meat or skin in the grass. Just the occasional fluff.
The entire system was there, from part of the esophagus through the stomach and small intestines. Part of the 'pellet producer' was in the grass, too. Owls, Hawks and other raptors leave such things behind.
While I was there, I didn't have anything but curiosity, and perhaps a little sadness for the duckling. Now that I am seeing the pictures, it seems a little more gruesome.