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An owl chick has been saved by the collaboration of Amey and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The tawny owl youngster was found by staff at Amey’s Kirkby Stephen depot late last week. They immediately called Cumbria Wildlife Trust, of whom they are corporate members, and asked for advice.
 Cumbria Wildlife Trust staff were very surprised to learn of an owl chick at this time of year but photos sent by Amey indeed confirmed that it was a tawny owl. The chick had fallen from its nest in the rafters of the depot.
Senior Conservation Officer Neil Harnott advised Amey to try and put the chick back where it seemed to have fallen from. Neil said: “Chicks’ parents tend to hang around and this chick will have the best chance of survival if it is put back on the nest or from the spot from which it fell. Amey did the right thing in calling us and we were very glad we could help this rather unseasonal and early chick.”
Amey then built a very sturdy platform for the chick, which featured raised edges to minimise the risk of any further tumbles.
Andrew Boyd, Amey’s Environmental Advisor, said: “It was great to be able to contact Cumbria Wildlife Trust and get advice on a situation that does not happen too often. We felt re-assured that we were doing the right thing.”
We did have a day or so when the chick had not been seen and we feared the worst. But the latest news is that the chick is doing well and is now flying 20 to 30 feet at a time.
Andrew added: “The guys at the depot are very pleased that this chick has a fighting spirit and survived. They’re keeping a close eye on it to try and keep it safe.”
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