Unknown Bird of Prey

[Pete Collins]

I came across this in deepest darkest Buckinghamshire today. I think it's either something rather unusual, or an escapee of some sort.

[Gill Catton]

harris hawk - a very popular falconer's bird. Escaped indeed

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Gill Catton

harris hawk - a very popular falconer's bird. Escaped indeed

As Gill says a Harris Hawk which seem to get regular employment these days as pigeon (+other bird) scarers. Occasionally they do escape.

One was shown on Countryfile last Sunday being used in conjunction with a Ferret to control Rabbits on a piece of farmland.

If you want to enjoy them in the wild go to somewhere like Texas.

[Pete Collins]

Thanks very much Gill and aeshna5.

I did in fact see that bit on Countryfile, but didn't recognise the bird from that at all. I was hoping this bird was some type of eagle!

I should have guessed it was an escapee from the fact that it allowed me to stand at the foot of the tree it was in and photograph it! It wasn't very happy, as it was continuously calling - I first saw it about noon, and then went back to the same spot about 3pm, and each time I could hear it a long time before I could see it.

I'll do a web search and see if anyone has reported one missing.

[demicav]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

I came across this in deepest darkest Buckinghamshire today. I think it's either something rather unusual, or an escapee of some sort.

Yes, Harris hawk, male I think. A beautiful bird.

[bgvi]

definitley harris hawk, i think someone is going to be a bit miffed!!

[galanthus]

Will it survive ? Does that depend upon how it's been kept ?

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Pete Collins

I'll do a web search and see if anyone has reported one missing.

Hi,

You could try reporting it here:

The Independent Bird Register

Jonathan

[Pete Collins]

Originally Posted by Jonathan

Hi,

You could try reporting it here:

The Independent Bird Register

Jonathan

Thanks very much Jonathan, I've now reported it on the IBR. I hope it gets re-united with its owner.

[outdoorguy]

cool find... harris hawks live in groups in the wild so thats why its calling.. it would see its owner as part of his group... that is why falconers keep them because 'usually' they always come back.. should survive ok.. no matter how its bread it will try and catch food if its hungry... james