An unexpected villain has taken to the skies in Peckleton, Leicestershire, leaving one local mum too nervous to handle the school run alone! Joanne Waller, a personal trainer, experienced a shock to the system when she was attacked by what she describes as a “giant, hawk-like” bird during her morning walk home. Listening to a podcast and almost at the end of her path, Joanne suddenly felt something heavy hit her head.
Initially thinking it was nothing, she soon realised the bird had dive-bombed her, leaving its mark with five deep cuts. A photo reveals the aftermath of the attack, believed to be the work of a kite, hawk, or buzzard. Fearful, Joanne immediately called her husband for a ride and sought medical attention, receiving a tetanus shot and discovering she had mild concussion and hearing issues from the brutal encounter.
Despite the intense experience, no other villagers have reported being similarly attacked, though a fellow walker did mention a swooping bird too close for comfort. Joanne notes that it’s ironic this happened in a village named Peckleton, pondering if the bird was perhaps guarding its nest during the nesting season.
Even a month on, Joanne’s left ear hasn’t fully recovered due to inflammation from the incident, leaving her wary about walking alone. Have any of you had unexpected encounters with wildlife in your area? Share your stories in the comments below, and let’s hope Joanne can feel confident on her school run again soon! 🌳🦅 #BirdEncounter #UnexpectedWildlife #PeckletonMystery