Keep an eye out for missing hawk

MISSING . . . have you seen this bird?

A Harris hawk is on the loose after escaping from its keeper’s house in Watersheddings.

Ruby the raptor, a large golden-brown bird, native to the Americas and capable of growing a wingspan of up to 4ft, made a quick getaway after breaking free from its leash.

Owner Lee Bennett (17) has had the bird for three years, keeping it in a shed at his home in Counthill Road.

He said: “I went outside and it was on the fence, but before I could get there it just flew off, I don’t know how it managed to get off its leash.

“The family has been out looking — anywhere where there’s trees — but we’ve had no luck.”

The young bird enthusiast, who has also kept barn owls in the past and races pigeons, is now desperate to ensure the safe return of his beloved pet.

The family now fears Ruby has been caught in a tree as part of the leash — still attached to both the bird’s legs — will be restricting its movements.

He said: “We’ve taken her out before but not in the last few months. If I see her I hope she will come back to me.”

Harris hawks have become a popular falconry bird in this country and, famed for hunting in groups in the wild, usually prey on small rodents and birds.

Anyone who spots the bird should call 07594-386 114.