Appeal to find missing kestrel spooked by magpies

The public are being asked to keep their eyes peeled for a kestrel that has been missing for more than two days.

Six-year-old Noddy flew off during an exercise session at Great Hollands recreation ground in Bracknell, Berkshire, on Saturday afternoon and did not return to his falconer.

Angela Norwood, who runs Berkshire Birds of Prey, said Noddy "got spooked" when he was chased by a group of magpies.

She believes he has remained close to the area and has been spotted around Buckler's Forest nature reserve, The Golden Retriever pub in Nine Mile Ride and, most recently, near Lyon Road in Buckler's Park.

He is fitted with a tracker, but it will only function for a few days.

Angela said Noddy was very close to Nine Mile Ride but believed he was reluctant to come down as he was not used to busy roads.

Noddy may be feeding himself, she said, adding: "I think he is liking the weather and may have helped himself to baby birds out of the nest."

Volunteers have spent long hours attempting to coax Noddy home, but cold nights, potential predators and a lack of food pose risks.

Angela said: "We have had two very cold nights and birds will lose weight very quickly but he is still at flying weight."

Noddy, who Angela describes as "resilient", has a silver head and tail, is smaller than a pigeon and has green and black flying jessies (pieces of string) hanging down from his legs.

He is also wearing a black radio transmitter that is about 10cm (4in) long.

Angela is urging anyone who sees Noddy to contact Berkshire Birds of Prey immediately so he can be brought back to safety.