Live pheasant found trapped in car grille three days after collision

A live pheasant was stuck unnoticed for three days in a car's front grille. Driver Mike Walsh, who works at Magna Park, Lutterworth, collided with the bird but could not see any signs of a body and, although shaken, he continued his journey between Birmingham and Coventry.

He drove more than 300 miles back and forth from work, at Corps Security, before he realised the pheasant was stuck, still alive, behind his car's front grille three days after the collision. His workmates called the RSPCA and helped inspector Claire Mitchell remove the bird. Inspector Mitchell said: "This was one of the strangest incidents I have ever come across.



"It was remarkable the pheasant had managed to get trapped in such a tiny space. What is even more remarkable is the fact it appeared to be without any injuries as a result of the accident. It was taken to a wildlife hospital as it was a bit wobbly, hungry and dehydrated, but I am happy to report it has now been released fit and well back into the wild."

Mr Walsh said: "When I first had the accident, I was really upset about the bird. I was stunned when I realised it had been in my car the whole time. When I inspected the car, I saw to my astonishment this pheasant staring back at me with his beady eyes. I cannot believe it survived for so long. It's incredible, but I am delighted to know it has been released back into the wild. It was one lucky bird."