Dr Carl Jones, of Carmarthenshire, is currently in America as part of his conservation work but asked friend Alastair Proud to track down his lost eagle.

Bird specialist Dr Jones received an MBE in 2004 for “services to the preservation of endangered species in Mauritius”.

Mr Proud said the eagle, which is an African species, went missing four weeks ago and was proving extremely difficult to track down.

He said: “It is a hybrid, a golden eagle cross stedd eagle.

“It seems the bird is doing very well for itself at the moment and has no intention of being retrieved. I haven’t had a chance to call it because I am two hours away here and when I get a sighting every time I get there the eagle has flown, so to speak.”

But it appears the eagle may be planning to stay around a little longer in Rhayader after finding the The Happy Chicks Organic Poultry establishment at Bwlchgwyn Farm, near St Harmon. Suzanne Williams, of the farm, said: “This bird is going nowhere, he is very happy here with all the chickens running around.”

Mr Proud: “I will try to go and retrieve it if I can but Carl is back at the weekend, it is his bird and he will do all he can to get it back.”

Anyone who does spot the eagle should contact Mr Proud on (01267) 281322.