AN unusual stray bird was discovered sleeping in a flowerbed.

The rhea ended up in the garden of a house in Great Horkesley on Friday after strolling through a side gate.

After calling the RSPCA, the homeowner kept the bird in the garden while attempts were made to find the owner.

Inspector Ann Bennett and a team from Colchester Zoo attended the next day and captured the stray.

It is now being kept temporarily at the Maldon Road zoo, while the owner is tracked down.

Insp Bennett said: “The homeowner said that the rhea casually strolled into his garden and after having a look around, sat down and went to sleep in their flower bed.

"It must have been quite an unusual sight.

"We are so grateful to them for keeping the rhea safe in their garden until we could arrange to move the bird.

“As you can imagine catching and then transporting a rhea can be a little tricky so I am so grateful to the staff at Colchester Zoo who came out to collect the bird and are temporarily keeping the rhea while we try to locate an owner. "If an owner is not found then the rhea will be taken to a more permanent base before being adopted.

“It is believed this rhea may have been wandering around the area for several days as I understand the police had received a call midweek regarding the bird.

"The rhea appeared to be socialised and used to human company, but we took great care when trying to catch the bird as rheas have powerful legs and sharp claws.

“We are keen to find the owner of the rhea and anyone with any information as to who may own this lovely bird is urged to call the RSPCA on on 0300 123 8018.”