A wing and a prayer – health scare owl is back in the wild

The bird was handed to Sam Bedford, who runs Bedfordshire Wildlife Rescue in Houghton Regis, after the dog’s owner took it to a vet in Harpenden.

The young owl was in a terrible state, but after just over a week of tender loving care he was ready to be released back into the wild.

Sam said: “It was a really quick turnaround – I thought he was going to be in for weeks.

“When he came in he couldn’t stand, his eyes were closed, he was very, very dehydrated, cold and in shock.

“Fluids are the most essential thing in any sort of rehab. Within 24 hours he was eating and within another 24 he was up on his perch.

“I’m always surprised by the resilience of wild animals.”

Other ‘patients’ at the centre include an emaciated heron, which a girl found while out horseriding and carried home, collared doves, pigeons and hedgehogs.

“Birds of prey have a very hard time in winter because they can’t find food,” added Sam.