Intruder owl is odd tree decoration

A young tawny owl had to be rescued by bird of prey experts after it flew down the chimney of a clubhouse in South Staffordshire and ended up perched in a Christmas tree.

The Midland Birds of Prey Rescue Centre was called to Enville Golf Club, at Enville Common, at 8.30am yesterday.

They arrived to find the young bird perching in the Christmas tree and were able to quickly catch him.

The owl survived the experience unharmed except for stress and was placed in a darkened box to help him calm down.

Experts said that the owl had suffered no injuries and that it was not necessary to take him to a vet for any further checks or treatment.

They observed the lost bird for the day before releasing him safely at dusk that evening.

Members of the golf club discovered the uninvited feathered guest when they first opened up the clubhouse yesterday morning.

Rescue centre spokesman Chris Jones said it was quite a shock for them to discover the owl hiding in the Christmas tree. "It was certainly a strange decoration to find on the Christmas tree when the members first arrived at the club," he said.

"They called us right away, and we were able to rescue the bird very quickly.

"Observation is very important, and it soon became clear the owl was not hurt, which is always a blessing.

"We placed him in a darkened box to ease any further stress on him before letting him go at dusk."