In areas where shallow water overlies sandy bottom, where there is intensive hunting, lead shot can accumulate in sufficient quantity as to be visible. The appearance is of seeds lying on the bottom, and some species of ducks would be attracted and consume large quantities of the small lead pellets. The pellets are small enough that they could be ground in the bird’s crop.

This is the model used to claim that a single, jacketed bullet could be harmful to a condor. In all probability, if a condor ingested a bullet, it would be passed entire, along with all the other hard and indigestible objects it might ingest (teeth, claws, etc.). That this is a misapplication of the model is unquestionable; that it was deliberate is also likely.

Take care, Tom