Rare male goshawk bird is stolen from its cage

Mar 6 2009 by Roger Domeneghetti, The Journal

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a rare bird was stolen from its cage.

The male goshawk was taken from an aviary in the rear garden of a property in Batthouse Road, Stocksfield, Northumberland.

The incident happened between 9pm on Wednesday and 7am on Thursday.

It is thought that the thief used wire cutters to make a hole in the bird’s cage.

The goshawk, known as Napoleon, was part of breeding pair, of which there are only 400 in the UK.

The bird is on the endangered species list and became extinct in the 19th century, but in recent years it has come back by immigration from Europe.

The bird of prey, used for falconry, is grey on top and has cream, speckled feathers underneath.

Anyone with any information, or who may have been offered the bird for sale is asked to contact police on 0345 604-3043.