Sooty owl released after rescue from wood burner

A tawny owl rescued from a wood burner has been released after making a full recovery.

The soot-covered owl was found trapped in an unused stove at a holiday home in Upwey near Weymouth shortly after New Year.

It was cared for by Wildlife conservationist Derek Davey after being found unable to open its eyes due to the soot and needing treatment to a talon.

Mr Davey said the little owl had since “made an excellent recovery” and “flew off like a little rocket” after he released it in a churchyard.

Mr Davey, who nicknamed it Sooty, said as the owl was released from his hands it flew off in a blur past the church into woodland at an “amazing” speed.

The owl was pulled from the stove by pest control expert Kenny Best and a log burner specialist after the guests staying at the holiday let over the festive break heard scratching noises from inside the flue.