Rhea at Bryn Meadows golf course, Maesycwmmer, reunited with owner

A big bird has been reunited with its owner after it was found roaming a south Wales valleys golf course.

The rhea - a flightless bird native to south America - was spotted by members on the fairway at Bryn Meadows at Maesycwmmer, Caerphilly, on Sunday.

Earlier attempts by an RSPCA officer in a golf buggy to recapture the bird failed when it kicked out.

Bryn Meadows confirmed on Monday afternoon that the bird had been picked up by its owner.

People had been feeding the bird sandwiches, but the RSPCA warned against approaching it.

Initially, it was thought to be an emu, which is native to Australia and second in size only to the ostrich among birds. But it was confirmed later that it was a rhea.

RSPCA officer Sophie Daniels had attempted to grab the bird while she was driven in a golf buggy along the greens at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa.

She said she could hardly believe her eyes when she spotted it.

"The bird came over to feed from me but as soon as I tried to capture her, she kicked so hard I had to let her go," she added.

The rhea was returned to its owner on a smallholding about a mile away.