Runners and hikers warned to steer clear of Mournes trail in wake of buzzard att

[admin]

Mountain runners and hikers are being warned to steer clear of one of Northern Ireland's most famous trails after a number of people were attacked by a bird of prey.

Two major trail races have been re-routed in the last few days after the animal, believed to be a buzzard, left people with serious cuts to their heads.

The animal is understood to have swooped on its victims on paths leading out of Donard Park in Newcastle, Co Down and up into the Mournes. The incidents are being described by the RSPB as "extremely unusual".

More:
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/runners-hikers-warned-steer-clear-9407608

[Rich.H]

Having been hit a few times by blackbirds a couple of years back while on a rooftop, I can only imagine how nasty the experience of having an adult buzzard clobber you on the bonce must be. That said it would be a great motivator to run faster.