Injured Juvi Red Tail?

[anatum]

Any ideas what the foreign object is sticking out from this youngster? I found him at lunch with this 'stick' and refound him again after work in another location still with this object; meaning he flew around doing his thing and didn't dislodge it.
What would be his prognosis?
Wouldn't he preen it out or at least cut it?
Does it look infected or is that a meal still in his crop?

[Paul O'Toole]

I am thinking its a piece of hay that is tangled on one end in its feathers. Likely from a vole grab when hunting.

[Brian Bailey]

It looks like a bit of dry vegetation stuck in its feathers to me.  Keep in mind that these birds often land in fields with long grass and weeds when they are hunting.  The fact he didn't bother to remove it probably indicates he is a male.

BB

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[anatum]

Thanks for your input guys.
I know there is a lot of conjecture as to what happened based solely on a picture and two sightings but my understanding is that most birds are fastidious about their feathers so it did worry me a bit. I think he's a local bird so if I can give you an update I will.