Owl takes an unexpected car ride.


A baby owl had a dramatic car ride, stuck in a roof rack.

The one-year-old tawny owl escaped with mild concussion after an unexpected 10 mile journey. The unfortunate driver thought that the hooting sound following him on his journey was a car horn. He only discovered the source of the news after arriving for work at a car showroom.

Trapped tawny owl

A not so wise owl?  Image: Peter Corns

Rescuers treated the owl, which they named Birch, at Nuneaton & Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in the UK. Other than a bad case of concussion, the bird suffered nothing other than a closed eye, as result of the impact. This will re-open as it recovers.

According to sanctuary founder, Geoff Grewcock, “The owl must have flown straight into the car while he was on a last hunt before sunrise. He had got his head stuck under the bar and was clinging on with his claws.

"He’s very lucky he didn’t break his neck."

Apparently, owls may be wise but tawny owls have something of a reputation for flying into objects.