A BARN owl that was blown off its course by heavy winds and was near to death in Ross is back to full health thanks to quick-thinking residents.

Edward and Marian Drzymalski discovered the barn owl lying in the grass in a field adjoining their bed and breakfast and holiday cottages in Llangrove, between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth.

“We could see that the bird had a metal ring on one of its legs so it was obvious that it belonged to someone who would be missing it,” said Edward. “It was still alive, but only just, so we wrapped it in a towel and took it into the warmth of our kitchen which seemed to revive it a little.”

The couple thought that the owl might have strayed from the Hilltop Birds of Prey Experience at nearby Llangarron and contacted owner, Mike Hill. Although Mike knew that all of his own birds were present and correct he gladly agreed to help.

“The poor owl was in a very distressed state and very hungry,” said Mike. “So the first thing that we did was to feed it and let it rest before taking the details off the leg ring and contacting the equally distressed owner.

“It seems that the barn owl had been missing for two weeks from its private breeders, 12 miles away in Coleford. She’d been blown off course by heavy winds during a flying training session and lost her bearings so flew for days until she became too tired and hungry to go any further.

“The owner was absolutely delighted to hear the amazing news and the two were soon reunited.”

The Hilltop Birds of Prey Experience is open to the public by prior booking only. Full details at www.hilltopbop.com