A woman is appealing to the owner of a nine-year-old female barn owl to come forward.

Janice Hope, of Guinea Close, Braintree, opened her front door to greet her son but instead had a barn owl fly on to her arm.

The "extremely tame" bird has typical markings, with a white and brown face and flecks on her front.

She was also wearing an orange identity band around her foot which enabled Mrs Hope to contact the relevant people.

Mrs Hope, who has grown up around birds, said: "After we'd got all the children inside we enticed her with ham into the dog cage.

"She was starving, so I fed her some mice and baby chicks. She has obviously come from a very nice home though, because of the way she is."

Mrs Hope's house backs on to woodland, so she often spots owls. But she feels this one is unique.

If anyone has lost a barn owl, contact Mrs Hope on 01376 322243.

Look who flew in the front door - this barn owl needs to go home

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