Keep a hawk eye out for bird of prey’s owner (From This Is Cheshire)

Keep a hawk eye out for bird of prey’s owner

12:10pm Thursday 22nd October 2009 in News

A HAWK escaped from its falconry and strayed into a Penketh chicken coop on Saturday.

The RSPCA is now seeking the owner of the female harris hawk which ended up in Elaine Reading’s chicken coop at her home on Grange Drive.

Mrs Reading, whose husband Ian owns a boat called Harris Hawk which he sails on the Mersey, said: “I got quite a shock when I came down in the morning and saw this unusual, beautiful bird in our chicken coop.

“We have noticed her flying round the area recently but never expected to get so close. She must have been hungry as she had broken through the wire to get to our chickens.

“Hopefully her owner will recognise her and come forward soon – she’s a stunning bird and it would be lovely to see them reunited.”

The bird was wearing jesses, leather straps used to tether birds to falconers and bells but had no identification ring so her owner cannot be traced.

If you own the hawk call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice Line on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message for animal collection officer Derek Hampson.