Birdwatcher attacked on his bike by pair of rheas

A birdwatcher has filmed himself being attacked by a pair of six-foot rheas while out on his bike.

Dermot Smith, an environment consultant from Cheshire, was searching for yellowhammers along a rural lane when he was set upon by the two creatures.

One of the birds - which resemble ostriches and can weigh up to six stone - began pecking at his head and body, while the other waited for a chance to attack.

After attempting to keep the rhea at bay by holding its neck, Mr Smith decided to cycle away. The birds continued attacking his back until he managed to escape.

He filmed the encounter on his phone, which is now being studied by police investigating the incident.

‘I got my phone out - that’s what everyone does’

Mr Smith said: “I heard some footsteps behind me and turned around and there was the grey [bird] with its wings raised and making a deep rumbling sound.

“I knew it was a threat display, but didn’t think it was serious, so I got my phone out to video it. That’s what everyone does these days, isn’t it?

“And then it went for me, pecking at me, I kicked it in the chest several times but it kept coming. I grabbed its neck, I then needed to get my bike, and that’s when the white one joined in.”

‘They can run at 40mph - but eventually they gave up’

The minute-long video shows Mr Smith repeatedly shouting “go away” and “keep away” at the birds. At one point he makes an exclamation of pain - presumably in response to a peck.

Mr Smith continued: “I pedalled away as fast as I could, but they can run at 40mph so they kept with me, pecking my back all the way, but eventually they gave up.

“I wasn’t injured as they are not very strong and had a thick fleece on, a tee shirt would have left me with scratches.

“I like birdwatching but have never had such a close encounter as this.”

A Cheshire police spokesperson said: “At 9.33am on June 6 police were made aware of two rheas attacking a cyclist in Grappenhall and Thelwall.

“A man was cycling along the stone track on Cinder Lane between Weast Lane and Knutsford Road when he was attacked by the two 6ft Ostrich type birds.

“The owner will be advised once they have been identified.”

In 2015, a rhea went on the run from a Nottinghamshire farm for four days before it was eventually recaptured.

Armed police joined in the search and the public were warned not to approach the bird.