A PRIZED bird of prey has been stolen while defending his mate's nest in a back garden "flight" cage.

Bill, the Harris Hawk, was taken from the mesh flight in the garden of his owner's home in the Branksome area of Darlington over the weekend.

The bird's owner, Raymond Vincent, who uses his two hawks for falconry and hunting, was away for two days when the raiders struck.

Mr Vincent fed his two birds on Friday before he went away in his caravan. His neighbour fed them again the following evening.

When Mr Vincent returned on Sunday, he found the 20ft by 8ft cage had been unbolted, left open and the male bird had gone. Bess, the female bird was still in the flight sitting on her nest of four eggs.

Mr Vincent, 62, has two cameras which record the flight. One is trained on the female on her nest but the other was off at the time.

He said: "I presume someone knew they were here. They have been a few taken recently in the area including one at Thirsk.

"Whoever has taken him, knows what they were doing because she is a very highly-strung, dangerous bird at the moment.

"They have taken the male bird because he would have been flying about at the time. He would be trying to defend the nest.

"They have got him first because he would have been screaming.

"Unfortunately he didn't disturb the people next door. They have been in and out and they knew what they wanted.

"As a bird of prey they are well sought after so it was someone who knew what they wanted."

Bill, who is worth £400, has brown-chocolate plumage with black flash markings and a black and white tail, bright yellow legs and a yellow beak. He also has a distinctive tuft on his head.

He is registered with the Department for Environment with the ring number 5623W.

Mr Vincent has had the male for six years, and the female for 16 years. Last year was the first time they bred, when they successful reared one chick.

He has reported the theft to both the police and recorded it on the RSPCA national database.

A police spokesman said if anyone has any information or intelligence about the theft, they should contact the force wildlife officer on 0845-60-60-365.