Hawk freed after being trapped for days in Stanway Sainsbury's

A specialist group which rescues birds of prey was called in after the sparrow hawk made its way into the Sainsbury's warehouse in Stanway while chasing a robin. 

After finding itself stuck in the warehouse it flew into the main shop. 

Four days later, on December 20, Colchester Owl Rescue group was drafted in to carry out a rescue mission. 

Katrina Myers, who runs the group, said: “Unfortunately when we arrived, she was in the highest part of the roof, an estimate of 60 feet high. 

“She flew several times from the front to the back of the shop and my poles with nets were too short, so we went to get some more poles to try and reach but it was agreed to go back at 11pm when the shop was closed and try and lure her to an easier place to catch her.” 

Two experienced falconers, Julie Wright and Andrew, joined the rescue mission at a quieter hour, hoping that the bird would be tired enough to be caught easily. 

“She had roosted in the highest part of the building and was not going to move for anything,” Katrina said. 

“We had several tricks up our sleeves, but she just wouldn't play ball.” 

Unfortunately, the rescue team was unable to catch the hawk and had to leave it again. 

Katrina said: “Luckily Julie and Andrew were going shopping on December 30, off they went to Sainsbury’s, to find her in an easy place to reach and finally managed to catch her. 

“Julie and Andrew are experienced falconers so they have good knowledge on how to handle birds of prey, as sparrow hawks can turn on a sixpence with long thin toes and exceptionally sharp talons that will lock on to anything that goes near them.” 

Exhausted, hungry and confused, the bird had flown into the windows several times, leaving her in need of care until she has regained the lost weight.