Frayed harness?

Is it possible that the piece of red stuff coming through the breast feathers of The Point Screech Owl is a bit of frayed harness left over from the radiotelemetry backpacks that were placed on some of the Eastern Screech Owls before their release into Central Park?

The harnasses of course may have been of slightly different material and almost definitely of a different configuration. No leash or little silver hooks for easy in and out access, for instance. But interesting to consider none the less.

To take a look at strange tuft on the owl go to-
http://www.palemale.com/april272006.html/