A tawny owl trapped in a chimney in Wellow has been rescued by Roger Lucken from the Secret World Wildlife Rescue charity and a team from Bath Fire Brigade.
The owl's cry was heard coming down the chimney by Sheilagh and Ron Humphreys as they sat in their kitchen yesterday evening.
"It was very loud and quite a surprise to hear an owl so close," said Sheilagh.
"At first we thought it was sitting on top of the chimney pot but it became increasingly clear that it must be trapped and unable to get out."
Since the owl's calls were becoming progressively more distressed, the Humphreys made a call to the Secret World 24/7 hotline who immediately dispatched Roger on a rescue mission.
He was anxious to catch the owl, christened Ollie, to clean soot from its eyes, vital for finding prey.
When it became clear that further help was needed, an Avon Fire Brigade crew was called in.
So while Roger was in the kitchen gently pushing rods up the chimney to support the owl, Bath fire fighters were ready and waiting on the rooftop to grab the owl as it emerged.
Ollie is now under close supervision at the bird sanctuary near Burnham-on-Sea.
After a few days of rest, this lucky tawny owl will be released back into his home territory.
RONALD HUMPHREYS
