Two injured birds of prey are recovering in Scottish SPCA care after being rescued by the animal welfare charity on Monday morning (10 March).
A sparrow hawk was found trapped behind netting on the roof of Portobello High School on Duddingston Road, Edinburgh, at around 7.45am and just a few minutes later a long-eared owl was discovered lying in a field in West Linton, Peeblesshire.
Animal rescue officer Stephanie Grant collected the injured birds and took them to the Scottish SPCA’s Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross near Alloa where they are now being rehabilitated back to health.
Stephanie said, “The sparrow hawk had managed to get itself trapped behind the netting which is designed to deter pigeons from landing on the roof of the building.
“It had a sore beak, possibly from bashing off the walls while trying to escape, and it also had quite a large lump on its wing. Our vet believes this is an old injury the hawk might have received from another bird, which has then become infected.
“The long-eared owl was found grounded beside a fence and he has a shoulder injury which should heal with a few weeks’ cage rest.
“We are hopeful both birds will make a full recovery after some recuperation and rehabilitation. We’d love to return these stunning creatures back to the wild, where they belong.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
