Pupils at a London primary school have been ordered to stay inside after a dive-bombing buzzard took up residence in the playground.
It follows reports the buzzard, which has been affectionately named Brenda, has been swooping in on residents in the village of Havering-atte-Bower.
As buzzards are a protected species under UK law, pupils at the local Dame Tipping Primary School have been given no choice but to stay inside until the bird moves away.
Experts have shared concerns that Brenda might be guarding her nest or chicks and therefore may perceive the children as a potential threat to her young.
Havering Council has said its health and safety team has issued "detailed advice to the academy trust responsible for the school, including the use of legal deterrents and other controls".
The council has also suggested hiring a falconry expert who might be able to deter the buzzard.
Headteacher Stella McCarthy said it was quite an “unusual situation” for the school to find itself in. She admitted there was nothing it could do to remove the buzzard and were instead taking this as an opportunity to teach children about the bird.
"We embraced it as a learning experience for the children," Ms McCarthy told the BBC.
"The children the named the bird Brenda and put out posters for protecting Brenda and looking after her... they've been writing stories, reports; next week they'll be doing and newspaper articles, they've done artwork."
Ms McCarthy said the school was taking pupils on regular trips to a nearby outdoor learning facility.
According to the RSPB, buzzards are the most common and widespread bird of prey in the UK and often feed on carrion.
Havering Council spokesperson added: “Buzzards are protected under UK law (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981), therefore our intervention options are very limited, and we have advised that warning signs would be the easiest solution at this time.
“We completely understand how difficult and worrying this situation is for the school and local residents and we regret that there is not a quick or straightforward solution.”
