An owl had a lucky escape after being found caked in mud under a tractor.

The tawny owl was discovered by a worker at Hanson Aggregates, in Shap, last week, who took him to Paragon Vets’ Dalston surgery to be looked over.

Thankfully there were no injuries and after a few nights of rest he was released back into the wild.

Vet Anne Abbs said: “The owl had gone down under a tractor – possibly chasing prey or just to shelter from the rain – and had become completely covered in mud, particularly its wings.

“I determined there were no physical injuries but the weight of mud was preventing him from flying.

“He had a good shower with warm water to remove most of the mud and to warm up.

“He was hospitalised for a few days to recover.

“I took him down to Hanson’s and, with the help of their staff, released him.”

She added: “If anyone finds a bird, determine if it’s a young bird or an adult, as 90 per cent of young birds hang around waiting to be fed and shouldn’t be ‘rescued’.

“If they’re in danger move them as short a distance as possible using a towel or something similar.

“Young tawny owls come out of the nest when still quite small and downy and may fall off their branch – most can sort themselves out.

This week Dumfries & Galloway Police Division also found an injured owl. A spokesman said: “Our officers found this injured owl on the A75 near to Annan during the small hours."

He was taken to Firth Veterinary Centre but unfortunately died on Thursday night.