Escaped Northampton budgie rescued from drain after strong winds blew open window
Eleven-month-old Luna was reunited with her relieved owner after an eagle-eyed motorist spotted her disappearing into a drain and alerted the RSPCA.
A missing budgie has been reunited with her relieved Northampton owner after being rescued from a drain where she had hidden following an escape through a window.
Eleven-month-old Luna flew from Cimberley Frost's flat when strong winds following Storm Boelo blew open the kitchen window.
Her disappearance sparked a search, but the adventurous bird was eventually discovered in an unlikely hiding place after a passing motorist spotted her hopping into a drain.
RSPCA inspector Richard Durant said: “Luna hadn’t gone far when we believe she must have been frightened by something and she hopped down into a drain to hide.
“Luckily, in a bizarre turn of events, a passing driver happened to spot her jump down into the drain and called us for help.”
Richard was travelling with trainee animal rescue officer Rosie Cowie on Monday, October 26, when they received the call.
Rosie, carrying out her first rescue, managed to reach the frightened budgie.
She said: “We peered down the drain and there was Luna’s little beak peeking out from a pipe;” she said. “I gently grabbed her and popped her in a pet carrier; my first rescue, and one I certainly won’t be forgetting!”
Luna was taken into RSPCA care before her owner made contact a few days later, having searched for her and appealed for information on social media.
Cimberley said: “Luna had been watching us eat in the living room when all of a sudden we realised it had gone quiet.”
After discovering the open window, the family searched outside and played budgie sounds in the hope Luna would recognise them and return.
A social media message eventually alerted Cimberley to reports that the RSPCA had recovered a budgie nearby.
Animal rescue officer Ellie Grindod subsequently returned Luna to her home, around a mile from where she was found.
The rescue ended anxious days for her worried family.
Cimberley said: “The house was so quiet without her; she’s always squeaking and talking. We really missed her; now she’s back to being Lady of the house!”
Luna normally enjoys flying around the flat, teasing the family's dog, Ziggy, and demanding freedom from her cage.
Although known for finding her own way out of the cage, she had never previously escaped the flat.
Cimberley added: “It’s her first adventure, and hopefully her last!”