Falconer links bird’s strange aggression to courtship behaviour during breeding season
A male Harris’s hawk that had unsettled the quiet Hertfordshire village of Flamstead for several weeks by repeatedly swooping at bald, tall men has now been captured. According to an expert, the bird’s odd behaviour was most likely due to hormonal surges linked to mating instincts.
The hawk became notorious for dive-bombing unsuspecting residents, prompting some to wear hats or helmets for protection. On Thursday, local physiotherapist Steve Harris managed to trap the bird in his garden by climbing onto his shed and dropping a cage over it.
Falconer Alan Greenhalgh, who assisted in the capture, believes the hawk’s aggression was related to courtship activity. “It’s breeding season, and the dive-bombing only started recently – it’s not about attacking, but showing off,” he explained.
The hawk, which had been living freely since last November, appeared well-fed and healthy, thanks to villagers who had been feeding it. “He was in excellent condition, fat as a barrel,” Greenhalgh said, though he added the bird wasn’t thrilled to be caught: “He was horrible. He didn’t want to be touched.”
Despite the disruption, the hawk was unharmed and is expected to return to flying under supervision – without any more attacks on passers-by, Greenhalgh hopes.
Residents were relieved. Jim Hewitt, 75, who was left with a bloodied head after being struck while fetching milk and a newspaper, welcomed the bird’s capture: “It’s a relief. I didn’t want it shot, but I wasn’t going to let a cheeky hawk win.”
Flamstead Parish Council thanked Mr Harris for his “quick thinking”, which led to the safe and swift capture of the bird. Meanwhile, Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed that while they did not lead the response, a minimal presence had been maintained in the area throughout the incident.
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The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields
The first day’s journey was through the pink fields