Shocked couple 'owled in shock as bird of prey flew down chimney and smashed items - then returned the day after!

An owl flew down a chimney and rearranged some items in a house in Southport before calmly sitting on the fire surround as the RSPCA came to rescue him.

The tawny owl managed to get down the chimney of a house in Allerton Road. Ed Jones and his wife Joyce found the bird after they heard a commotion coming from the room.

They went to investigate and could see the owl sat upright on the surround asleep so they called the RSPCA for help.

Animal rescuer, inspector Lisa Lupson was sent to the house and could see the bird still perched happily but managed to encourage him out of the window using her net.

The following day, on Wednesday April 28, the couple again went in their living room and were shocked to discover that the owl had returned - and was sat on the same spot on the fireplace happily sleeping.

Again the couple called the RSPCA and this time animal rescue officer (ARO) Lauren Bradshaw was sent to the address and managed to safely capture the owl and released it outside in the garden - much to the delight of the couple’s grandchildren Charlie, 10, and Bobby, five

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Ed, 67, said: “I couldn’t believe it the first time - then the fact it came back the day after - I thought I might have to start charging it rent!

“It was so funny to see it sat in the same spot and he actually looked like an ornament on the mantle shelf rather than a real bird.

“He certainly made his presence known on both occasions as some of our ornaments were rearranged and he broke a 20-year-old vase which we had bought in Greece.

“There are also marks on some of the wood furniture from his talons but we are just so pleased he was in good health and happily flew off.

“We are really grateful to the RSPCA for helping. I was going to go and try to let him out of the room myself but my wife was worried that the bird could injure me.”

Ed said it isn’t the first time the couple have had birds finding their way down their chimney - which has a guard on it - but he now plans to have further work carried out to prevent this happening.

He said: “We have had a couple of magpies come down the chimney and some jackdaws which I usually just let out of the window - but this owl was a big surprise and certainly made his presence known!"

Animal rescuer, inspector Lisa Lupson said: “When I arrived at the house the owl looked quite chilled and just sat there but I could see he had moved some ornaments and pictures on the wall and caused some damage.

“I was really shocked when I found out that my colleague Lauren had to attend the following day as the owl had returned. He must have really enjoyed his stay the first time round - and clearly had a hoot!”

Lauren added: “The owl was healthy so I took him onto the garden to release him and watched as he happily flew off. Hopefully he will learn from the two incidents and keep away from the chimney."

If you find a wild animal in distress, stuck, sick or injured please contact the RSPCA for advice on 0300 1234 999 and visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181