Yesterday, (28th August) Chris discovered that one of our beautiful Barn Owls was ensnared by bale twine tangled around a barbed wire frame attached to an electricity pole.
The bale twine was wrapped tightly round and round its leg.
Despite not liking heights and breaking all rules regarding electricity poles and shaking like a jelly I gingerly crept up the ladder.
The owl was quite calm and I was able to gently snip away at the string. I, on the other hand, was not at all calm as it was a two handed job so no hope of holding onto the ladder!
Safely back on terra firma and after removing all the string from his leg I took him straight to the vets at Kirkby Stephen where he was fed and observed overnight.
A Happy Ending
The vet phoned to say that the owl had survived the night and was more lively today; his claw was working properly and he was trying to peck them (a good sign!). Today I put him back in the barn where he was raised. Imagine my delight when I discovered another young owl in there too. So from a brood of three, maybe four, two have made it.
Thank You
A big thank you to David, Conservation Officer at the Barn Owl Trust. His advise and guidance was invaluable. The Barn Owl Trust website is very informative. To find out more about these fascinating birds visit www.barnowltrust.org.uk
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