A chimney sweep in Angus successfully rescued a tawny owl that had become wedged inside a stove after the bird apparently fell down the chimney. John Soutar was called to a house in Noranside on Sunday night after residents heard unusual noises coming from behind the appliance. The owl emerged unharmed and was released into the garden, where it flew off into the night sky after a brief pause.
The homeowners discovered the trapped bird after attempting to investigate the sound themselves. When they began to disassemble the stove, they encountered what they described as a "big pair of eyes" staring back at them from inside the pipe. Recognizing they needed specialist help, they initially contacted a veterinary practice, who advised them to call the emergency services. However, a friend suggested they reach out to Soutar instead, having seen his previous wildlife rescue work on social media.
How was the rescue carried out?
Soutar's initial approach was to access the owl through the front of the stove, but he quickly discovered the space was too confined. The stove had to be pulled away from the wall and disconnected from its flue to create enough room to work. During the delicate extraction, the owl's feet gripped his fingers as he attempted to maneuver it backwards out of the pipe.
The rescue took an unexpected turn when Soutar switched off his torch to avoid startling the bird with bright light. The sudden darkness caused the owl to retreat further into the pipe. He then adjusted his strategy, gently coaxing the bird forward with careful persuasion and a light nudge, which prompted it to jump into the fire chamber of the stove—ultimately positioning it where it could be safely removed.
Once freed from the pipe, Soutar cleaned the bird with a towel to remove soot and debris. He was struck by how calm the owl remained throughout the ordeal. "That's how we were able to get photos with it, because it wasn't upset," he explained. After ensuring the bird was in good condition, he carried it outside and placed it gently on the grass. Within seconds, the owl took flight and disappeared into the night.
Why are tawny owls at risk?
Tawny owls are Scotland's most abundant owl species and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, according to the Scottish Wildlife Trust. However, the species faces significant conservation challenges. The RSPB reports that tawny owl populations have declined by more than 40% between 1995 and 2023, with habitat loss and reduced prey availability among the primary causes of decline.
Is this Soutar's first such rescue?
This was not Soutar's first encounter with an owl in distress. Two years prior, while sweeping out a log burner flue that had not been used for a year, he discovered another tawny owl trapped inside. In that rescue, he was able to carefully extract the bird, which was weak and exhausted but otherwise uninjured. That owl was subsequently handed over to the SSPCA for care and monitoring.
Soutar's work as a chimney sweep across Angus and Tayside has exposed him to a surprising variety of objects lodged in chimneys and flues. Among his more memorable finds was a letter to Santa, complete with drawings and a child's wish list—a discovery he found particularly touching. His growing reputation for wildlife rescues has made him a go-to contact for residents who encounter animals in precarious situations.
Key Facts
- The rescue took place on Sunday night at a property in Noranside, Angus, after residents heard noises from behind their stove
- The stove had to be disconnected from its flue to create enough space to safely extract the trapped bird
- Tawny owl populations in the UK have declined by more than 40% since 1995, primarily due to habitat loss and reduced food availability
- This was Soutar's second tawny owl rescue in two years, demonstrating the species' vulnerability to becoming trapped in domestic chimneys and flues
