A HUNT has begun for the owners of two birds of prey that were found injured by members of the public. A European eagle owl, which has a wing span of 6ft, was found with cuts on its legs while a red tailed hawk, the size of a buzzard, was found with a bro

A HUNT has begun for the owners of two birds of prey that were found injured by members of the public.

A European eagle owl, which has a wing span of 6ft, was found with cuts on its legs while a red tailed hawk, the size of a buzzard, was found with a broken wing.

Both were taken to the Raptor Foundation in Woodhurst last week where they received veterinary treatment costing £1,000.

Liz McQuillan, chief executive of the foundation, told The Hunts Post the owners need to come forward to collect the birds and contribute towards the vet's bills.

Although the birds were found in Royston and Saffron Waldon, it is believed they could have travelled some distance before being spotted.

Mrs McQuillan added: "These are probably someone's pride and joy and they could have come from anywhere. Owners tend not to report missing birds as they believe they will just fly back to them, but this incident shows how birds can get lost and injured and nine times out of 10 don't fly home."

Despite having identity rings, the foundation has been unable to track down the owners of the eight-year-old birds.

If they are not claimed within the next two months they will join the 217 other birds of prey as permanent residents at the foundation.

INFORMATION: The owners of the birds are being urged to bring any relevant documentation with them to collect the birds from the Foundation or phone 01487 741140.