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See video footage of trapped Jackdaw being rescued from tree in Christchurch Park
Malcolm Freebody from Ipswich Borough Council. - Credit: Archant
Onlookers gathered in suspense as a rescue mission got underway in an Ipswich park this morning.
A Jackdaw trapped in a tree in Christchurch Park with its concerned partner by its side. - Credit: Archant
Tree surgeons from Ipswich Borough Council were called to Christchurch Park at around 9am by wildlife ranger Joe Underwood after he discovered the Jackdaw had got its leg caught in the tree.
Malcolm Freebody led the intricate operation, using a rope and harness to reach the trapped bird as its partner stayed by its side in distress.
Mr Freebody tried to release the Jackdaw by hand but was forced to cut down part of the tree to free the wedged leg.
An audience gathered around to watch the spectacle and fears started to mount as the bird lost movement.
The Jackdaw that was rescued from a tree in Christchurch Park. - Credit: Archant
However, a round of applause was given for Mr Freebody when the bird’s wings started to flap as it was carried down to safety.
The bird was passed over to Mr Underwood who was waiting with a cardboard box ready to take it to the Riversbrook Veterinary Centre in Cliff Lane to be cared for.
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Mr Freebody said he had embarked on a number of similar missions during his 20 years in tree surgery, but this was the first time he had been tasked to help a Jackdaw.
“It was getting the Jackdaw’s leg out of the tree that took the time really,” he said. “I’m absolutely pleased to get him out, and it’s less stress on his partner hanging around at the top there too.”
Mr Freebody said of the bird: “Bit shocked, bit dehydrated I’d have thought and it has an injured leg.”
The alarm was raised to Mr Underwood in the Reg Driver Centre by a member of the public at around 8.45am.
Mr Underwood said Jackdaws were common in the park because they like the holes in the older trees.
He said he believed the bird probably got caught during the high winds caused by Storm Barney overnight.
