A tawny owl that fell down a chimney faces a long road to recovery at the Hawk Conservancy at Weyhill.
The bird, aptly given the name of St John-Smythe, has had every single flight feather on both wings and tail totally singed and ruined. Some feathers on the owl's head have also been lost.
Staff at the conservancy are feeding St John-Smythe on a high protein and vitamin diet in an attempt to bring on a full moult. This could take a year but so far they are happy with his progress.
With a new set of feathers the owl can begin a fitness programme in preparation for release, hopefully next summer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article