Hi Paul
I think you may be right. Though the picture isn't that clear, this looks like it could be the back of a Harris Hawk. This is a bird native to the southern U.S. but which is widely used in falconry in the UK.
There are certainly some escaped ones around. I was at a falconry display at the weekend where the falconer showed a Harris Hawk, and was talking about being called out by a farmer to recover an escaped bird living on his land, which no-one ever claimed.
Agree with Sue, looks very much like a Harris Hawk. If it is it is likely to be an escaped captive bird especially if you heard bells on it.
Hi Paul, I also think it may be a captive Harris Hawk which was wearing Jesses from your description; it certainly looks the right colours for a Harris ... are you near a Falconry Centre ? I went on a Hawk walk last August (Stockley Farm in Cheshire) so have photos of the Harris Hawk for you to compare .....
Yes agree i thought it was a Harris Hawk as beak more like an eagle in shape- it was in my local park in Amersham.
I guess it may eventually be caught it seemed a bit tame as i got so close , but decided not to interfere.
thanks
Many thanks Hazel,
Great photos, definitely that bird
Hi Paul, glad the photos helped with the ID, its a beautiful bird but must have strayed from the Falconer so it could catch its dinner !