Topic ID 3857
There has been an Eagle Owl spotted in the Fordwych/Campfield are of Hertford and notices put up by a Falconer (we had one through the door this morning). It has attacked a cat on Ashley Road and is more than capable of taking a small dog. To put it in context, according to Wikipedia, these birds can have a wingspan of up to 2 meters and are more than capable of taking prey such as foxes and young deer. I heard it a week or 2 back and wondered what the hell it was shrieking like that at 4am. It must have been in our garden or not far away, as it was so loud it woke me up.
Reply ID 55820
Not a good time to purchase a pet rat then, eh?
Reply ID 55821
aren't they kept indoors? These birds are big, but doubt they'll kick down your front door and kidnapp a rat ;)
Reply ID 55822
wow, that would be amazing to see. has it escaped, or is it a genuine wild one?
Reply ID 55823
What does the notice from the falconer say?
Reply ID 55828
OK, the notice says: BEWARE Large Bird of Prey seen in the area. Already attacked cat in Ashley Rd. Will also attack small dogs. Will Kill!!! If Seen, please call the Faulconer immediately on 01992 537431 or 07718 975666 The posters on the footpath from Hertford North to Chelmsford Wood (runs behind Forwdych Rise down to Ladywood Rd estate) specifically mentions an Eagle Owl
Reply ID 55833
This is getting silly. The economy is collapsing, the White Horse is closed, HRFU got stuffed by St Albans & now we have enormous raptors stomping around the streets of Hertford..... I might just turn to religion (albeit a fairly pagan one..)
Reply ID 55834
It's Fordwich with an 'i', but thanks for the info, will keep an eagle eye out [;)]
Reply ID 55842
I've noted the number down in case I spot the bird.
Reply ID 55849
quote:I'd have kept quiet, sounds a lot posher with a 'y' (not that it could get any posher [:D]
Originally posted by steven
It's Fordwich with an 'i', but thanks for the info, will keep an eagle eye out [;)]
Reply ID 55855
I've heard an owl hooting at night in Bengyo once or twice. Should we keep the cat in?
Reply ID 55857
The tooting I hear quite often where I am in Bengeo. That's the Tawny Owl I believe, which is the most common type of owl in the UK. About a month ago I was woken after midnight when I heard the loudest, most unearthly 'shrieks' from ground behind the house on Port Hill. I had no idea what it was and supposed it may have been foxes or badgers fighting. I'm now wondering if it was in fact this Eagle Owl. Spooky!
Reply ID 55868
quote:They have eye-brows that make them appear as the Dennis Healey of the bird-world. http://images.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB263GB263&q=eagle+owl&start=18&sa=N&ndsp=18
Originally posted by codek2
wow, that would be amazing to see.
Reply ID 55877
Having had a friendly chat with a close friend who has done falconry courses and knows a thing or two on the subject and refered to the beasty as Bubo Bubo, I am inclined to keep the cats in for a while.......... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubo_bubo His main words of advice were......avoid having your pets out at dusk or dawn.
Reply ID 55882
quote:Dennis Healey flying around at night? My god, it's an omen in these troubled times. Call in the IMF!
Originally posted by Woodyquote:They have eye-brows that make them appear as the Dennis Healey of the bird-world. http://images.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_en-GBGB263GB263&q=eagle+owl&start=18&sa=N&ndsp=18
Originally posted by codek2
wow, that would be amazing to see.
Reply ID 55883
Any one lost a cat burp!! oops sorry about that, old Bubo Bubo is not the only eagle owl on the loose he is a nice chap really.
Reply ID 55950
Any one know what happened to all the very large felines that use to be reported in the press, possible zoo escapees or pets that were let loose due to a change in the law on dangerous animals? Any new sightings?
Reply ID 55952
If this is what it is reported to be, it will be of value to "The Falconer" but do we know who this person is? I'd recommend seeking RSPB advice first, if sighted.
Reply ID 55956
I bet it would make a great sunday roast!!
Reply ID 55972
According to the report in The Herald The Falconer is 'Hertford man and bird of prey owner Dave Beadle' He has been asked by the Independant Bird Register to track it down. It also says that hopefully it will have a ring on so it can be returned to it's owner. If not a good home will be found.
Reply ID 55973
quote:That's good to know.
Originally posted by minnie
According to the report in The Herald The Falconer is 'Hertford man and bird of prey owner Dave Beadle' He has been asked by the Independant Bird Register to track it down. It also says that hopefully it will have a ring on so it can be returned to it's owner. If not a good home will be found.
Reply ID 55988
Twinkle Twinkle eagle owl, how you like your freedom now, you had a go at that nasty cat, someone says thank you, its Bengeo Bat. Lol :-)
Reply ID 56089
I think I have seen this bird on top on the Nationwide Building Society in Fore Street, should I call The Falconer........?
Reply ID 56090
quote:It's a Building Society actually and long should it remain so [:)] Apologies for the pedantry
Originally posted by stroller
I think I have seen this bird on top on the Nationwide Bank in Fore Street, should I call The Falconer........?
Reply ID 56126
Is there any news on whether this bird has been caught?
Reply ID 56138
quote:I think that might be wise.
Originally posted by stroller
I think I have seen this bird on top on the Nationwide Building Society in Fore Street, should I call The Falconer........?
quote:It's likely that the Falconer would know. If you're concerned, give him a call on 01992 537431 or 07718 975666.
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Is there any news on whether this bird has been caught?
Reply ID 56139
quote:I assume you know that Stroller is having a little joke here. I don't see any smilies [:)]
Originally posted by SallyBquote:I think that might be wise.
Originally posted by stroller
I think I have seen this bird on top on the Nationwide Building Society in Fore Street, should I call The Falconer........?
Reply ID 56141
quote:'Wise' is a pun on owls. [:D] What a hoot! [:D] I'll stop larking around now...[:I]
Originally posted by Steve I assume you know that Stroller is having a little joke here. I don't see any smilies [:)]
Reply ID 56146
Bubo said you had better not stick any paxo up his rear end, ouch![:0]
quote:
Originally posted by thefair1973
I bet it would make a great sunday roast!!