Collecting a representative sample of pluckings of Sparrowhawks in autumn and winter is less easy than during the breeding season. Pluckings are dispersed over wider areas and weather conditions are normally adverse, thus hindering tracing and identification of prey remains. These problems can be countered by selecting plots that are searched systematically twice a month, i.e. halfway the month and at the end of the month. Prey remains are searched by combing the plots, meanwhile looking for droppings, pluckings and pellets. Prey remains are collected and primaries and rectrices of pluckings are counted to determine the number of prey items. Special attention is asked for prey items that have been plucked in trees, a practice more common in open stands than in closed stands.