Kes the young kestrel made a flying visit for vital feather extensions - but it was no cosmetic makeover for this bird.

Makeover is a tweet - Sinead Hendricks, 14, with Kes, the kestrel, who has had feather extensions at Thorrington Wild Life Centre to stop him being grounded. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN (40141-1)

For the juvenile was in danger of being grounded and unable to hunt for its prey after suffering serious tail damage.

But thanks to caring volunteers at Wildlives Rescue Centre in Frating Road, Thorrington, and staff at the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Aspel, Suffolk, he is now well on the road to a full recovery.

Kes was taken up to the sanctuary and the whole process took about three hours to perform.

His own damaged feathers were cut right back and a number of replacements glued into place.

Published Thursday, December 23, 2004

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