Huge bird of prey that appeared in shocked woman’s garden finally returned to owner after three fire engine crews drafted in

A huge bird of prey that caused a flap after appearing in a shocked woman’s garden needed three fire crews to eventually collar it.

Caroline Phipp discovered the sharp-clawed creature calmly perched on a planter.

She had no idea where it came from and at first thought it might be an eagle.

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But other locals said it was more likely to be a Harris’s hawk, formerly also known as a bay-winged or dusky hawk.

The bird also had a leash and bell, indicating it was an escapee, as reported by What’s The Jam.

At the time on Monday, (11 Aug) Caroline said: “I have either a hawk or an eagle in my garden.

“It’s not every day you get one of these in your garden.

“I really need some advice.

“It has a leash and bell attached to it.

“What am I supposed to do about this before it gets dark?

“It clearly belongs to someone?

“Help and advice needed.”

After the appeal, the owner was found and went to collect it in Broadstairs, Kent.

Caroline added: “Someone found the owner, and they’re coming to collect it.

“The bird had a tag on him, but we didn’t get close enough to see it.”

But after a failed rescue attempt by its owner, the bird was still in her garden on Tuesday (12 Aug).

Caroline added, “The bird moved into a tree.

“The owner came and it went to him, but it then freaked out.”

Then on Tuesday afternoon, after more failed rescue attempts, three fire crews arrived to try and hook the hawk.

They eventually reached it using a long ladder after an hour-long operation.

A Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a hawk trapped in a tree in Broadstairs.

“Two fire engines and a height vehicle attended, and crews were able to successfully free the hawk.

“Though the hawk was not injured, crews advised the owner to seek precautionary checks with a vet.”

A relieved Caroline added, “They eventually got him.

“It certainly took some doing, but the fire service was amazing and very helpful.

“The man who owns the bird was so lovely and thankful that they managed to rescue him.”

Harris’s hawks are native to North and South America but are popular in falconry for their intelligence and trainability.

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