Tame falcon blows in to village near Oswestry

A tame falcon has been found in a village near Oswestry – and is believed to have journeyed about 100 miles to get there.

The search is on for the owners of the large bird, which was discovered in the garden of a home in Porthywaen on December 27. But so far no one has stepped forward to claim it. The falcon is currently taking refuge in the home of John Soulsby, a falconer in Llanfair Caereinion, near to Welshpool.

Mr Soulsby said with the recent gale force winds the bird could have flown from anywhere within a 100 mile radius.

He said the bird was found at a home near to the Lime Kiln Inn and added the falcon still had some equipment on it when it was discovered.

He said: "A lady went out to feed her animals and it was there.

"She said it ran after her into the house and it was in her garden the following morning.

"It was sat on the roof of the house so they called it down with a piece of meat.

"They put it into a rabbit hutch and called me for advice."

Mr Soulsby said he had been a falconer for about 40 years and it was the first time he had to go out and pick up a lost bird. He said the falcon was very fit and believes it couldn't have been lost for very long because it is still tame.

He has been in contact with the independent bird register and also spoken out on a bird forum in a bid to find the owners.

He said he has already received two calls, one from Scotland and one from Bristol, but neither had provided any links to the owner.

Mr Soulsby said he can only keep the bird for 28 days and hopes he can find the owners by then.

If the falcon is your bird call Mr Soulsby on 07734 876409.