Eagle-eyed Perthshire residents have helped to track down a bird of prey almost a week after it disappeared from Phoenix Falconry.
Despite several sightings over the last six days, Pilgrim the bald eagle evaded capture until Friday.
The nine-year-old raptor was spotted in a garden on the outskirts of Blairgowrie, 30 miles from its Auchterarder home.
After being contacted by a concerned local, head falconer Adrian Hallgarth raced to recover the bald eagle, which was on the “edge of starvation” and “battered.”
He said, “Pilgrim’s in pretty rough shape, having been battered by every bird in the local area.
“All birds of prey get a hard time at this time of year as mating birds protect their nests and offspring.”
He added, “With breeding birds everywhere, there will have been no respite for our boy.”
Relieved to finally see the hand-reared “big softie” home, Adrian planned to catch Pilgrim a welcome home gift of a fish.
The raptor, which has a seven-foot wing span, disappeared from the Auchterarder falconry on Sunday, after being chased off by buzzards.FranticStaff were frantic with worry as the bird was bred in captivity, meaning it is unable to fend for itself in the wild.
There were also fears that it could be killed on the A9 as it tried to live off roadkill.
However, other than a few ruffled feathers from its encounter with other birds, Pilgrim has returned home safely.
Adrian said, “The staff at Phoenix Falconry would like to thank the public for their vigilance and help in bringing Pilgrim home.
“We were out from dawn til dusk every day, scouring the Perthshire countryside.
“This was a massive task and, without the help of locals, there was no way of knowing where to start looking.”
He added, “He may look aggressive, but it’s all show and he cannot find food for himself in the wild, so we’re really glad that he’s back home safe and sound.”