Not having a ball: Bird stuck in feeder

A tempting fat ball proved too attractive to a hungry starling which got trapped inside a metal bird feeder in Bridgwater, Somerset.

Thankfully for the bird, Secret World Wildlife Rescue freed the bird after they were alerted to its plight by a member of the public.

The starling attempted to reach the bird feeder by squeezing through the bars, leaving it unable to get out.

Ashleigh Owen, one of Secret World’s animal carers, released the bird from the cage and assessed it for any injuries.

“Luckily, the only thing that was injured was his pride,” said Ashleigh.

“It’s always nice when you can free an animal and find that they have no injuries. He was a very lucky starling, and it’s so nice to give him a second chance.”

The bird’s rescuer kindly took him back to the garden where it was found, to be released back into the wild.

The bird will join its fellow starlings as they begin the murmurations – a wonderful sight over the Somerset moors as starlings group together for the winter.

Secret World Wildlife Rescue say it has been a difficult year, with increased casualties owing to the extreme weather this summer.

Donations are gratefully received and volunteers are always very welcome to join the team. To find out more, visit www.secretworld.org

A starling became trapped in a bird feeder in Bridgwater