Kestrel raised by "Magpies" gets a sporting chance

A KESTREL found at Tottenham Hotspur’s old ground has found refuge in Teesdale.

The bird of prey was rescued by demolition teams at the former premier league ground last month but

couldn’t find a home down south.

As luck would have it, one of the workmen lived in Richmond and brought the kestrel up to Wetheriggs Animal Rescue, at Thorpe Farm, off the A66 near Greta Bridge.

Owner Terry Bowes was only too happy to welcome in the stricken bird.

He said: “They rang all the rescue centres in London but nobody could help. When I opened up the box there was a Spurs tracksuit in the bottom. Most of us are Newcastle supporters so it’ll be a kestrel raised by magpies.”

Workmen spent two weeks hand rearing the bird, now named “Totty”, before its arrival in Teesdale.

Mr Bowes said they’d done a good job but explained why he needed work before being released back into the wild.

“They fed him meat and liver and they need roughage – it’s taken us three days to get her used to feathers and fur,” he added.

“We tend to feed them with a glove – unfortunately because he was hand reared it will be a bit harder to get him into the wild but we will do our best.”

Mr Bowes said it was common for young birds to be brought into the centre at this time of year. He offered some advice to concerned members of the public.

“Usually it’s better to leave them alone because their mums and dads are away at this time of year,” added Mr Bowes.

“People bring them in but the best policy is often to leave them where they are.”