Owl air lifted to safety after crash-landing on North Sea oil rig

The bird was flown by helicopter to Aberdeen and is recovering with the help of the Scottish SPCA

The owl crash-landed on the oil rig (Scottish SPCE’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre)

An owl has been rescued and airlifted to safety from an offshore oil rig in the North Sea after it crash-landed on a platform.

The exhausted short eared owl was discovered on Wednesday and flown by helicopter to Aberdeen with a crew who were due to go back to the mainland.

The bird has since been delivered to the Scottish SPCE’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa, where it is being cared for until he is ready for release.

The proud rescuers on the oil rig with the owl (Scottish SPCE’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre)

Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “The owl is doing great after his lengthy flight.

“He is waiting for a vet check before going out to our aviary and providing all is well he will be released within the next few weeks depending on weather conditions.

Chief Inspector John Carle said this is not the first time a bird has crash landed on an oil rig and needed help getting back to the mainland.

“In June, a lost racing pigeon was rescued after crash landing 160 miles offshore,” he said, adding: “It was fantastic that the owl was able to ride in the helicopter with the crew and we would like to thank everyone for their assistance.”