This little chap was going about his business one day when, for whatever reason, he decided to investigate the chimney of a house. Unfortunately for him, he fell down it!
The house owners heard him flapping in the chimney and after some considerable difficulty managed to get the poor bird out but he was clearly in a terrible state. He was covered in soot and dust, was bleeding from a facial injury and his eyelids were swollen so badly he could not open them.
A phone call to us for help and a trip to the vet followed. A thorough examination revealed no other injuries but he needed round-the-clock care. Firstly he was given a bath, soot had ‘glued’ his feathers together, and then medication was required every three hours.
Our wonderful volunteer, Julia, took him to her home and his recovery began. The photo of him wrapped in a towel was taken after two days. He was improving but despite another bath, he was still black from the soot and could not open his eyes. Four days later and with Julia’s constant care, his plumage was recovering, he’d opened his eyes and another bath had improved his plumage.
For another few days, he was standing and eating although his pellets were still black indicating that his digestive system was still full of soot.
Julia’s dedicated care continued and a few days later he was ready to be released back into the wild in the area where he had started his (mis)adventure. The house chimney now has a mesh covering to prevent any more mishaps if he decides to re-visit!
One extremely lucky Tawny owl is enjoying life back where he belongs. His thanks and ours go to his rescuers and to Julia for making sure that his story had a happy ending.
