Love-lorn barn owl Oki was today back home safe and sound after breaking out of his aviary in search of his lost mate.

Oki has become something of a worry to his owners on The Wick estate, Wickford, by mastering the art of escape. This was the third time he has managed to get free.

Oki was found bewildered on New Year's Day by wild bird expert Phil Eckett. He made an appeal through This Is Essex partner paper the Echo to try and get Oki home to his owners.

Mr Eckett said: "I had an immediate response. The first call was from someone who had lost a barn owl in September.

"The bird I had wasn't theirs but I was able to sort out a replacement bird for them. The second call was from Oki's owner."

Owner Mike Gowers is delighted his bird is home safe and sound. He became interested in falconry after watching a display at Colchester zoo.

He said: "Oki is becoming a bit of an escape artist. This is the third time he has got out. We think he went off looking for his mate who flew away last year and never returned."

Escape artist - Mike Gowers with Oki the barn owl

Picture: STEPHEN LLOYD

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