Ref. 27735-04A falconer is asking Swindon residents to keep their eyes and ears open for his beloved bird Mel.

Tony Ellis, 43, last saw the three-year-old goshawk flying through the sky above Elcombe Hall Farm, near Wroughton, last Wednesday at 4pm.

Mr Ellis, a mechanic, of Grittenham, near Wootton Bassett, takes Mel out most days for flying, but last week the eager bird took to the skies for longer than usual.

Mr Ellis said: "I know she will survive but I have grown close to her and want her back.

"I fly her everyday while I'm out walking my dog.

"She has done it before but only for a few hours. I just hope anyone who sees her will let me know so I can try and get her back.

"I was going to take her hunting in Scotland at the weekend."

Mel, who lives in an aviary in Mr Ellis' garden and weighs 21/2lbs, is microchipped and has a radio transmitter attached to her tail but the battery is believed to have run down.

She also has leather straps with bells attached to her legs.

Mr Ellis added: "If anyone hears a ringing bell coming from a tree it could well be Mel.

"I've been called out four times to sightings around Swindon but each time it's for another bird."

If anyone has spotted Mel call Mr Ellis on 01666 510067 or 07887561520.

n The goshawk is a large hawk almost as big as a buzzard, with a wingspan of up to 5ft 6ins.

There are between 400 to 450 breeding pairs in Britain who live in conifer woods and forests.

It has bright yellow eyes and distinctive white eyebrows.