Sparrowhawk rescued from netting on school roof in Edinburgh

The sparrowhawk was rescued from Portobello High School in Edinburgh

A bird of prey has been rescued after it was found trapped behind netting on a school roof.

Scottish SPCA officers freed the sparrowhawk at Portobello High School in Edinburgh at about 07:45 on Monday.

A few minutes later the charity then rescued a long-eared owl which was found lying in a field in West Linton in the Borders.

The injured birds are now at the Scottish SPCA's wildlife rescue centre at Fishcross, Clackmannanshire.

The long-eared owl was found lying in a field in West Linton in the Borders

Stephanie Grant, of the Scottish SPCA, said: "The sparrowhawk had managed to get itself trapped behind the netting, which is designed to deter pigeons from landing on the roof of the building.

"It had a sore beak, possibly from bashing off the walls while trying to escape, and it also had quite a large lump on its wing.

"Our vet believes this is an old injury the hawk might have received from another bird, which has then become infected."

She said the long-eared owl was found grounded beside a fence.

"He has a shoulder injury which should heal with a few weeks' cage rest," she said.

"We are hopeful both birds will make a full recovery after some recuperation and rehabilitation."