Cheers! Swan trapped on pub roof gets her water feet back thanks to the RSPCA

A swan that crash-landed onto a pub in Greenfield has been helped back to her natural habitat.

The bird was trapped on a flat roof at the Kingfisher pub on Chew Valley Road for several days when the matter was reported to the RSPCA, and inspector Ryan King came to the rescue.

The animal charity’s inspector donned PPE because of avian flu risks and shimmied up to grab the stricken swan, who was struggling to navigate her way back home.

A resident living nearby had spotted the bird was unable to launch herself off to fly because there wasn’t enough space on the roof.

Fortunately, the swan was uninjured and was ringed, so that when she was brought back down to the ground the inspector was able to locate the water course to return her to.

“It was a strange job to go to as I can’t recall ever seeing a swan crash-landed on top of a pub,” said inspector Ryan.

“She just couldn’t get off and may have been tired out trying to do so.

"It was a small flat area, but she needed extra space to take a run and was stuck.

“It may have been that she attempted to land there as swans can often mistake metallic objects for water and there were extractor fans on the roof.

"She wasn’t injured and I picked her up and put her in my swan bag to keep her calm.”

By chance, a volunteer from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was visiting the pub to monitor the charity’s collection box on the bar and she was able to match the swan’s ring number with a local mill pond.

That meant only a short trip for Ryan, who was able to release the swan onto the pond off Well-I-Hole Road on October 31.

“There were no other swans on the pond so it was a perfect spot for a release," added Ryan.

“It was good to see her swim off.”

Despite the successful outcome, the inspector says that members of the public should avoid handling waterfowl they come across in similar circumstances because of rising cases of avian flu.

Avian flu restrictions were stepped up on Monday, November 7, with a UK-wide housing order requiring poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors.

“At the present time we do advise members of the public not to handle waterfowl,” said the inspector.

“Avian flu can be carried by all bird species, but seabirds, waterfowl and birds of prey are the most common species reported.

“It is a highly contagious disease within birds and it’s important to take all precautions to stop its spread.

"If you do find a swan or other waterfowl trapped like this, then please call our helpline on 0300 1234 999 during the hours of 8am and 7.30pm.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, please visit their website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.

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