05 Mar 2025
Flamstead residents are in a flap after a spate of attacks from a bird of prey on the loose in their village.
Initially it was thought to be a Harris hawk which went missing from Whipsnade Zoo in August 2024 but zoo staff have since confirmed it is not theirs.
Roy Lamden, who lives in Trowley Hill Road, was attacked by the bird on Sunday: “It was a big shock as the bird attacked me from behind.
“It hit me fairly hard on the top of my head and caused a small cut.
“The bird has been very active around the village. I know of at least three other people who have been attacked.
“My understanding is that it is not the Whipsnade bird, but it appears to have something attached to its leg indicating it could have escaped from somewhere.”
The parish newsletter has advised visitors not to feed the bird, adding: “Zoo staff have established that certain Flamstead residents have been feeding it. The advice received from Hayley Jakeman (animal operations manager ZSL Whipsnade) is that the bird should not be fed by Flamstead residents. The rationale behind this advice is that it should be much easier to catch if it is hungry.”
A Whipsnade spokesperson added: “We are aware of a Harris hawk in Flamstead, but following inspection from our keepers, we can confirm the bird is not ours. Our bird experts will be happy to help the local council or other organisations with this bird, should they need us.
“Birds of prey aren’t actively hostile towards humans, but may attack if provoked or if they feel threatened if a person got too close. We do not recommend feeding birds of prey.”
