AN ESCAPED bird-of-prey has been spotted in Ainsdale.
The raptor, which is believed to be a Harris Hawk, was seen on the railway-side of Liverpool Road, perched on a garden fence.
It appears to be an escaped falconer’s bird, with leather thongs and a bell around one of its legs, said local resident Oliver Sharp.
He said the “eagle-like” bird has approximately a one-metre wingspan, a golden beak and tawny-orange or chestnut-coloured plumage with an area of white towards its tail.
Mr Sharp, who first saw the bird last week, said: “It has created quite a stir among the small birds and has been mobbed by magpies.”
A wildlife worker from the RSPB office said the description matched that of a Harris Hawk, one of the most popular species kept by falconers.
l Anyone who has made a current sighting of the raptor should contact the British Falconers Club (mornings only) on 01692-404057.
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