Britain’s got talons
Jogger’s horrific cuts after giant bird swoops
A JOGGER was left with horrific head wounds after a “super-aggressive” buzzard swooped on him as he ran along a city street.
Andy Llewellyn, 44, was treated in hospital for two huge cuts along the length of his scalp.
Experts believe the bird, heavier than a small dog, was a female protecting her young.
Andy said: “I was just doing my normal jog when I got this almighty whack on my head.
“I thought someone had hit me or thrown a stone. But then I heard the flapping. I put my hand on my head and felt blood. I was in shock.”
At first the Boots worker didn’t realise the extent of his injuries and went on to record a personal best for the 5km run in Chellaston, Derby.
But later he went to A&E and was given antibiotics.
He added: “The nurse said she had never seen anything like it in all her years of A&E. It hasn’t put me off jogging but I’ll wear a helmet next time!” There are 30,000 to 40,000 buzzards in the UK. They weigh up to 3lb with a 4ft wingspan. Nick Brown, of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said this one was “super-bold and super-aggressive”. The bird is believed to have attacked at least two other joggers. Council worker Jonathan Webster, targeted two weeks ago, said: “I saw its talons coming at me.”