A fishing team has rescued a lost owl 100 miles off the north coast of Scotland

A lost owl 100 miles off the north coast of Scotland was rescued by a fishing crew after it was swept off course and attacked by seagulls.

The bird suffered minor injuries as a result of the incursion but was treated by the care team on board the Peterhead-registered Benarkle II.

After initial medical attention, the injured owl was ‘strengthened’ and sounded better BBC reported.

When the trawler reached Peterhead, the passengers handed the animal over to the Huntly Falconry Centre, who admitted it was unusual for it to be so far away.

These breeds can be found all over the UK – although they are rarely seen in the South West and Wales – and eat small rodents and small birds in winter.

The bird suffered minor injuries as a result of the incursion but was treated by the team on board the Peterhead-registered Benarkle II.

The owl showed up aboard the trawler midway through their trip last week and settled into its new environment very quickly.

The group’s social media post reads: ‘[It] he began to get used to the comings and goings of the crew in the wheelhouse, even letting him out to spread his wings.

“Although getting an owl that doesn’t want to return to its temporary home isn’t the easiest operation!”

John Barrie, owner of the centre, said: “The owl is just tired after the journey. They had their fill of it on the boat and we’re going to do the same here. It just needs a bit of beef.

He added: “It wasn’t in its environment, it was probably just blown off course.”

Short-eared owls are distinctively tall and skinny with puffy ears, known as tufts, which they raise when distressed and anxious.

These breeds can be found all over the UK – although they are rarely seen in the South West and Wales – they eat small rodents and small birds in winter.