From...
news.bbc.co.uk3814991.stmOpen ↗
""" 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