Harry the Harris Hawk .. lost in Rainham?
Published: 12:29, 30 August 2012
Harry the Harris hawk is pining for the plains of America - from a tree in Rainham.
Edwin Road resident Bill Phillips a snap of the rare bird, which is not native to the UK, surrounded by magpies and pigeons at the bottom of his garden.
He said it had been visiting for about seven weeks, adding: “He is obviously lost and pining for the Great Lakes, but we have contacted every bird society going to no avail.
“Perhaps somebody might come forward as it is a beautiful bird. It has bells on its leg so it has escaped from somewhere.”
RSPB officer Rolf Williams said Harris hawks are seen occasionally when they escape from falconers.
He said: “They don’t do harm in small numbers, though if we have a large predator it can worry farmers.
“The only worry is if it’s got bells on its legs, that’ll work against it as a predator as everything can hear it coming. But if it’s been there seven weeks it’s obviously surviving somehow.”
If you recognise the bird call Mr Phillips on 01634 376539.
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