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Harris Hawk sighted ?

  • 26-09-2006 3:53pm
    #1
    megadodge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,393 ✭✭✭


    Twice quite recently in the environs of Phoenix Park I have spotted what I now believe to be a Harris Hawk.

    The first time it was carrying prey and landed on the top of a telegraph pole just when you turn left off Conyngham Rd and head for North Circular. I was in a car at the time and got out to look. At the time I didn't know what it was but reckoned it was a large hawk not native to the country and the fact that it was feeding led me to believe it was living wild.

    However the second time I saw it was as I was parking my bike at Heuston Station and it flew directly above me. Dark feathers all round, broad wings and a very distinctive white band at the base of it's tail. It had those leather things dangling from it's legs which led me to think maybe it was owned by a falconer and was just out and about on an exercise run/flight.

    Has anyone else seen this bird and do they believe it is living wild or is there a perfectly reasonable explanation.
    I'm pretty sure it's a Harris Hawk which is native to Central and South America.


Comments

  • #2
    ytpe2r5bxkn0c1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 32,688 ✭✭✭✭ytpe2r5bxkn0c1


    They are a common enough escapee. I don't live in Dublin, but I have heard of them in the Phoenix Park from time to time. (I think Mooney goes Wild did a piece on it in the past). They are spotted around the country from time to time and usually cause a bit of a stir for a while.


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