Assin Breku Hunter Found Migratory Bird From Brussels, Preying On Chickens

A hunter in Assin Breku Kwame Ankra, a farming community in the Assin North District of the Central Region, has found a Black Kite bird on his farm, later identified as a migratory species believed to have originated from Brussels, Belgium.

According to the hunter, the bird had been preying on his chickens for several weeks, prompting him to target and shoot it.

He said he fired three shots before the bird eventually fell from a tree.

Upon retrieving the bird, the hunter was shocked to discover a metal ring attached to its leg, bearing inscriptions including an address linked to the Brussels Museum Sciences, with website, www.ring.ac, with identification code H220252, as the word BRUSSELS engraved vertically on the ring.

The unexpected discovery sparked fear and curiosity among residents, with some locals suspecting the bird to be a spiritual animal.

This belief heightened tension and shock within the community following the incident.

Speaking about the encounter, the hunter said he never imagined the bird was part of an international scientific study, describing the discovery as mysterious and unsettling.

The incident has since drawn widespread attention, raising questions about migratory birds, wildlife conservation, and the presence of internationally tagged species in Assin North communities.

Following the development, the Rich FM News Desk contacted Mr. Daniel Konzing of the Ghana Wildlife Conservation for clarification.

Mr. Konzing explained that the inscription “BRUSSELS” on the ring indicates the bird was scientifically tagged under an international research programme, and not anything spiritual.

He further disclosed that the incident has been reported to the appropriate authorities and that arrangements are underway to evacuate the wounded bird for treatment.

Mr. Konzing explained that bird-ringing (or banding) is a scientific method involving the placement of a lightweight, uniquely numbered metal ring on a bird’s leg to study migration routes, lifespan, and population trends, with minimal and temporary stress to the bird.

He noted that the technique is a vital conservation tool worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Rich FM News Department has officially notified the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences about the discovery and the current condition of the bird.

By Kwame Owusu Asante Shadrack, Rich FM Assin Fosu