Sparrowhawk Down: Kendal traffic at standstill as man retrieves bird of prey trapped in car grille

Updated 12:27pm Thursday 3rd July 2014 in NewsBy Patrick Christys, Reporter

KENDAL’S rush hour traffic came to a standstill on Stricklandgate as a hawk-eyed pedestrian sprung into action.

Stunned motorists watched in amazement as Cleveland Wilson, 66, ran into the road near McDonald’s and started scratching at the front of a car.

Mr Wilson, who has been a member of the RSPB for many years, then emerged from the front of the vehicle clutching a sparrow hawk in his hands.

“I had a look and saw this bird sticking out the grille and I could see it was alive,” said Mr Wilson. “The traffic had stopped so I got down on my knees and pulled it out.”

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