Bird of prey rescued from family’s Christmas tree

Sparrowhawk flew in through an open window and settled on decorations at home in Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

The sparrowhawk on top of a Christmas tree (PA)

A bird of prey has been rescued after flying into a home through an open window and perching on the Christmas tree.

Police were called to the abode in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, after the owner found a sparrowhawk nestled amongst the decorations.

Officers called on the North East Wildlife and Animal Rescue Centre (New Arc) for help with the rescue on Tuesday afternoon.

Aberdeenshire North Police tweeted: "PCs attended to assist with this lovely sparrowhawk who flew in an open door & landed on top of the Xmas tree here in Ellon.

"Huge thanks to New Arc who assisted in her (...) safe release."

The wildlife charity shared a photograph of the bird perched in the Christmas tree and said: "The New Arc assisted the police this afternoon when they apprehended an intruder suspected of stealing Xmas fairies.

"After a full body search she was released without charge."

Keith Marley, of New Arc, said it was an unusual rescue.

He said: "When we got there the sparrowhawk was quite happily perched on top of the Christmas tree. It was pitch black outside so it had no intention of leaving a nicely lit room to fly off into the darkness.

"We came with the ambulance, which is equipped with nets and all the equipment we need, and within a minute or two we'd managed to catch the sparrowhawk and escort it out of the premises without anybody being hurt.

"It makes a change from a partridge in a pear tree.

"It was quite comfortable in the room with a nice view of everything round about it and was nice and safe with no reason to concern itself.

"There were no missing fairies or Christmas robins on the tree that I could see so I think it was left none the worse for its adventure."

The wildlife experts checked the young female bird over to make sure it was free from injury releasing it outside.