Colin Blackburn
June 17th 04, 02:49 PM
From...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/3814991.stm
"""
Buzzard dies dive-bombing a van
An angry buzzard which was blamed for more than 20 attacks on cyclists on
a country road in Devon has died after dive-bombing a van.
The RSPB said the aggressive bird of prey was accidentally killed on
Wednesday when it swooped on the vehicle near Holsworthy.
Experts believe the buzzard - which has a 1m wingspan - could have been
protecting a nest.
The bird had been swooping on cyclists, gouging holes in their helmets.
Emma Parkin from the RSPB said the driver of the van that hit the bird had
reported the accident immediately.
She said it was unusual for buzzards to attack humans, which suggested it
had once been in captivity.
She said: "It was just being a good parent, although it was probably
rather too enthusiastic."
She said it was likely the buzzard was one of a pair and the surviving
bird would now care for the chicks.
"There is probably a single parent buzzard flying around now, I hope
that's the case.
"The chicks should be pretty robust by now anyway, but this will
definitely mean their chances of survival have diminished."
Retired toolmaker Paul Dixon, 71, North Devon secretary of the Cyclists
Touring Club, was among those who fell victim to the buzzard on the A3072
between Brandis Corner and Anvil Corner.
He was not wearing a cycle helmet when the angry bird swooped and left him
with blood pouring from three scratches on his head.
All 22 competitors in two long-distance cycle races were also attacked at
the same spot nearly a fortnight ago.
The attacks forced a time trial and another scheduled bike ride to be
re-routed last weekend.
"""
Let's hope the van driver doesn't turn out to be an angry time triallist!
Colin
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/3814991.stm
"""
Buzzard dies dive-bombing a van
An angry buzzard which was blamed for more than 20 attacks on cyclists on
a country road in Devon has died after dive-bombing a van.
The RSPB said the aggressive bird of prey was accidentally killed on
Wednesday when it swooped on the vehicle near Holsworthy.
Experts believe the buzzard - which has a 1m wingspan - could have been
protecting a nest.
The bird had been swooping on cyclists, gouging holes in their helmets.
Emma Parkin from the RSPB said the driver of the van that hit the bird had
reported the accident immediately.
She said it was unusual for buzzards to attack humans, which suggested it
had once been in captivity.
She said: "It was just being a good parent, although it was probably
rather too enthusiastic."
She said it was likely the buzzard was one of a pair and the surviving
bird would now care for the chicks.
"There is probably a single parent buzzard flying around now, I hope
that's the case.
"The chicks should be pretty robust by now anyway, but this will
definitely mean their chances of survival have diminished."
Retired toolmaker Paul Dixon, 71, North Devon secretary of the Cyclists
Touring Club, was among those who fell victim to the buzzard on the A3072
between Brandis Corner and Anvil Corner.
He was not wearing a cycle helmet when the angry bird swooped and left him
with blood pouring from three scratches on his head.
All 22 competitors in two long-distance cycle races were also attacked at
the same spot nearly a fortnight ago.
The attacks forced a time trial and another scheduled bike ride to be
re-routed last weekend.
"""
Let's hope the van driver doesn't turn out to be an angry time triallist!
Colin