A budgerigar caught by an eagle owl at the weekend is safe and well and waiting for its owner.

Bird enthusiast Rod Smallman was exercising the eagle owl in Spiceball Park, Banbury.

He said: "The bird should have been chasing a rabbit but went after what I thought was a piece of scrap paper. When I got to it, I discovered the budgie, which was unharmed."

Mr Smallman said the budgie was powder blue with pale blue wings and a white forehead. It was ringed with what Mr Smallman thought was a breeder's identification.

He said: "It could not have been free for more than a day or so."

Mr Smallman can be contacted on 01295 257899.