In an extraordinary tale of survival and human compassion, a exhausted short-eared owl has been rescued after completing a staggering 100-mile journey across stormy seas to a North Sea oil rig.
The remarkable avian visitor was discovered by offshore workers on the Fairburn platform during the height of Storm Amy, appearing utterly spent after what experts believe must have been a terrifying flight battling fierce winds and driving rain.
A Welcome Stowaway
Platform crew members were astonished to find the unusual guest perched on their remote workplace, located approximately 100 miles east of the Shetland Islands. The owl, later identified as a short-eared owl, appeared disoriented and weakened by its marathon flight.
"We knew immediately this bird was in trouble," reported one platform worker. "It was clear it had been through an incredible ordeal just to reach us out here."
Storm Amy's Unwilling Traveller
Wildlife experts believe the owl was likely caught in Storm Amy's powerful winds, which would have carried the bird far out over open water with little chance of finding rest. The species typically inhabits open countryside and moorland, making its appearance on an industrial offshore structure particularly unusual.
The platform crew quickly sprang into action, providing the exhausted bird with temporary shelter and much-needed rest away from the harsh offshore elements.
The Rescue Mission
After contacting wildlife rescue services, arrangements were made to transport the unusual offshore visitor back to mainland Scotland. The owl was carefully contained in a secure box for the helicopter journey back to Aberdeen.
Upon arrival, the bird was immediately transferred to the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, where it received expert assessment and care.
Road to Recovery
Veterinary staff reported the owl was "extremely tired and underweight" but otherwise uninjured from its incredible journey. The bird is currently receiving round-the-clock care and nutritional support to rebuild its strength.
"This is one of the most remarkable rescue stories we've encountered," stated a Scottish SPCA representative. "For this owl to survive such a journey across open water in storm conditions is nothing short of miraculous."
Once the owl has regained full strength and demonstrates it can hunt successfully, wildlife experts plan to release it back into its natural habitat—though hopefully one considerably closer to shore this time.
