Harris hawk escapes handlers in Museum Gardens in York

The bird, thought to be a Harris hawk named Maverick, was sat on a branch of a large tree at the entrance gates to Museum Gardens in Museum Street at around 3.30pm today (August 27), with eyewitnesses claiming it flew off around 10.45am.

One handler wearing a blue Owl Adventures polo shirt was seen near the trunk of the tree and was heard calling the hawk down.

Several members of the public, including children, were watching at the base of the tree.

Eyewitnesses, who did not wish to be named, said they saw ‘a couple of passes' of the bird.

Owl Adventures declined to comment when approached by The Press.

The bird of prey displays are a regular attraction at Museum Gardens.

Harris Hawks like the one in this image, are said to be popular among falconers (Image: Mark Farrell)

The Scottish Countryman lists the Harris Hawk as a very popular bird among falconers.

All About Birds classifies their size as similar to a crow, with a length between 46cm to 59cm, a weight of between 515g and 880g and a wingspan between 103cm and 119 cm.