Published: Monday, 26th July, 2010 9:30am

Warning of buzzard attack danger

by Kate Smail

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After weeks of unprovoked attacks a sign has finally been erected to warn people of buzzard attacks.

Scottish Borders Council (SBC) was forced to put up the sign after over 20 joggers and cyclists fell victim to the buzzard whilst on the Kingsmeadows Road near Kailzie Gardens.

The terrifying incidents saw some victims repeatedly attacked by the same bird, forcing them to flag down passing motorists in a bid to escape.

It's thought the birds, which have a four foot wingspan and are renowned for their sharp talons, may have been trying to protect their young.

The high number of attacks prompted local councillor Gavin Logan to persuade SBC to erect a temporary sign warning people of the danger.

Holidaymaker John Cowan, 46, of Falkirk, was one of the victims and said he would never have run in the area if there had been a sign warning him of the dangers.

He said, "I was on my way back from my run when I felt the bird swooshing past my head. It then returned and sank its talons into my head, I could feel it grabbing my scalp. I picked up a stick and attempted to fend it off and eventually made it back to where I was staying at Kingsmeadows House.

"It would have struck me again only for I had dropped my keys and bent down to pick them up.

"At the time all I could think was, 'Is this really happening to me? It was only afterwards that I learned of the prior attacks, if I'd known I would have gone nowhere near the bird."

Councillor Logan said this was exactly why the sign needed to be erected.

"I'm very pleased that my request for signs have been heeded and public safety has been taken into account.

"The signs are temporary, and once the attacks stop when the young have fledged, will be removed again. However, if it looks like there may be similar problems next summer they can be reinstated."