A sparrowhawk has been rescued from beneath netting atop a building society in the centre of Cardiff.
RSPCA Cymru came to the aid of the bird of prey after a member of the public reported his plight.
The bird had flown into the netted area via an open wooden door – but was then unable to find an exit back into the open despite attempts to guide him out by kind-hearted staff at the building.
Inspector Sophie Daniels raced to the scene and – after half-an-hour of trying to confine the bird – was able to safely secure him in a net. The rescue took place on 14 October.
Fortunately, the sparrowhawk could be returned to the wild immediately – and was released soon afterwards in the park off of Cardiff’s Museum Avenue.
Inspector Sophie said: “This sparrowhawk had flown into a netted space on the roof of the building – and then couldn’t find his way back out.
“Staff at the building were really concerned for this bird of prey, and we’re really grateful to them for sounding the alarm.
“We regularly deal with birds caught by netting – but not many trapped underneath netting structures like this. It’s another reminder though of the difficulties that netting can cause birds.
“Fortunately, after a hectic half an hour trying to confine the bird, I was able to safely secure him in a net and release him safe and well back to the wild.”
Jason Swift, facilities manager at Principality Building Society added: ‘’We were so pleased that the sparrowhawk was rescued safely and returned to the wild from Principality House thanks to RSPCA Cymru.
“Our priority was to ensure that we were on hand to provide as much support needed to the bird of prey and Sophie whilst the rescue operation took place, to ensure as little distress to the sparrowhawk as possible.’’
