FWIW, "powerful owl" is the real name of the species. Doesn't mean it's not comms, but it does mean the innocent explanation becomes more likely. Harpy eagle might be Hillary in a comm, snowy owl might mean Snowden. But they might also be birds that are inadvertently poisoned.

But if owls really are cabalists, then 40 stuffed powerful ones in her locker ... sounds like a good start.