A surprising discovery was made at a holiday home in Upwey, Weymouth, Dorset, when a soot-covered owl was found trapped inside a log burner.
The tenants, staying at the property over Christmas, noticed strange scratching noises coming from the flue for two days.
This raised concerns that an animal was stuck inside, prompting them to call for help.
Investigation and the Discovery
When pest control expert Kenny Best and log burner specialist Richie Gray arrived at the home, they anticipated finding a jackdaw, a common bird that can sometimes end up in chimney flues.
However, after dismantling the stove, they were shocked to find a Tawny owl, its feathers completely hidden under layers of soot, near the bottom of the 15-foot flue.
The Careful Rescue
It took about 15 minutes for the team to safely grab the owl’s talons, as the bird’s powerful claws made the rescue tricky.
With patience and careful handling, they managed to pull the owl out of the narrow flue.
The bird’s eyes were shut due to the soot that had accumulated, obscuring its natural brown-grey feathers.
After the rescue, it was carefully cleaned up, and the owl was given an eye wash to help restore its sight.
A Happy Ending for the Owl
The rescued owl, now affectionately named “Sooty,” was taken into the care of wildlife conservationist Derek Davey.
According to Davey, the owl had been in poor condition initially, unable to open its eyes due to the soot.
After some TLC, the owl started to look much healthier, eating well and regaining its energy.
About Tawny Owls
The Tawny owl, known by its scientific name Strix aluco, is a nocturnal hunter typically found in woodlands.
With its rounded head, large dark eyes, and hooked beak, this owl is a skilled predator.
Its brown-grey feathers and one-meter wingspan make it an easily recognizable bird of the night.
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