In a heartwarming rescue operation, a local chimney sweep has become an unlikely hero after saving an owl trapped in a chimney in Waltham. This touching incident unfolded when a resident, hearing strange noises emanating from their chimney, reached out for help.
Michael Nolan, who recently started his career as a chimney sweep with Chimneys UK in Grimsby, has already encountered what he describes as the most memorable day of his budding profession. "I just began this job in September and was away on a training course for stove installation when I received a call about a bird stuck in someone’s chimney," Michael explained. Although he was scheduled to return the next day, he advised the homeowner to keep him updated if they continued to hear the bird. Soon enough, the noises persisted, prompting action.
The chimney was part of an open fireplace that had not been used, and the sounds were traced to behind the plasterboard. Michael noted that, "Most of the time, when we get called out, it’s usually pigeons or similar birds that find their way down chimneys."
After carefully opening up the wall through a small vent in the plasterboard, the team was relieved to minimize damage. Upon inspection, they could see feathers but couldn’t immediately identify the species. Traditionally, the method to extract such birds involves pushing them up with a brush. However, when Michael’s brush emerged from the top of the chimney without any sign of the bird, he resorted to using a CCTV camera for a better look. To his surprise, the camera revealed a wide-eyed tawny owl staring back at them.
With teamwork and patience, Michael, along with the homeowner and his son Rhys, managed to gently coax the owl out of the chimney flue and into a fishing keep net. "It was definitely a group effort," he remarked. They ensured the owl was safe while waiting for assistance from Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue, who arrived within twenty minutes.
Michael shared his feelings about the experience: "It’s rewarding to save a bird; often, the outcome isn’t so fortunate. This was particularly special because it was my first encounter with an owl, which is quite rare in chimney rescues." He continued, describing how surreal it was for the homeowner, who happened to be celebrating his birthday that day. Imagine hosting family and friends and then finding yourself holding a live owl in your living room!
Though initially in distress, the tawny owl was later assessed and found to be dehydrated with a damaged beak, likely from its frantic attempts to escape. Fortunately, Michael reported that the bird was recovering well and would likely make a full recovery.
Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue provided an update on social media, explaining that although they were temporarily closed to new admissions as they prepared for the opening of their new rescue center, they always prioritize urgent cases. The post detailed how they responded to the emergency call about the owl and praised Michael’s successful retrieval efforts. An initial assessment revealed that the owl faced multiple injuries, including a fractured hook on its beak, but thankfully, X-rays showed no fractures in its wing.
As they continue to care for the owl over the coming days, they plan to transfer it to Louth Bird of Prey Rescue, as their facilities are not currently equipped to house a tawny owl. They expressed gratitude to the community for their ongoing support and excitement about reopening their center soon.
This rescue story not only highlights the unexpected adventures that can come with being a chimney sweep but also serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife rescue efforts. What do you think about such rescue operations? Have you ever witnessed a similar event? Share your thoughts in the comments!
