BIRDWATCHERS had a beano before falconer Steve Lea's Harris hawk returned to its rightful roost.
The young bird of prey went missing on its maiden flight - and soon became the centre of attraction at Pennington Country Park.
After two weeks on the run the distinctive bird is safely back home after coming out tops in an impromptu survival test.
A gust of wind carried the young bird off from Steve's home near Leigh Cemetery.
It followed the canal westwards settling at the country park where it was recaptured in a cage trap made by Steve's dad and Bedford/Astley councillor John Lea.
And Cllr Lea thanked all those people who had contacted him with sighting reports after news of its disappearance was publicised in The Journal.
Grateful Cllr Lea said: "I'd like to thank everyone who rang with information, particularly the person from Waterview Park.
"And the park rangers also did a marvellous job."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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