Owl rescued in ‘close call’

A tawny owl which became trapped inside a tree after it was blown over in Storm Eunice was rescued in what local authorities have labelled a “close call”.

Arborist Phil Smith was part of a team sent by North East Lincolnshire Council to clear debris in Abbey Road, Grimsby.

He spotted the owl just moments before workers took chainsaws to the downed conifer.

According to Mr Smith, the bird was motionless and appeared to have a broken wing when it was discovered.

He said: “It was clearly shocked and looked pretty distressed. We took it out and wrapped it in a towel, when we noticed it appeared to have injured its wing.”

Fearing the worst, Phil made the decision to take the owl home and care for it.

Taking advice from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, Phil left the bird in the care of his wife as he went back to work.

He returned later to find it had recovered and was flying around the family living room.

“I was so pleased to see it, and to be honest was almost in tears – it seemed perfectly fine,’ added Phil.

The owl was taken back to the area it was found for release.