Alpine Swift taken into care in Surrey

An Alpine Swift has been released back into the wild after it was found exhausted in Surrey.

The bird was found grounded in North Cheam on 22 June and was taken to Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead. Vets there checked it and found it to be uninjured but underfed, dehydrated and exhausted.

The Alpine Swift after it was taken into care (Wildlife Aid Foundation / Abbey Warner).

However, after going into care the bird made a full recovery. Following a final health check, it was released back into the wild yesterday morning [30 June], when it flew off powerfully south.

Simon Cowell, CEO of Wildlife Aid Foundation, said: "The Alpine Swift was released successfully after we made sure it was fit enough to continue on its journey. They are amazing animals, and it was a rare visitor to our shores. We are pleased to have been able to help it."

It's only the 10th record of Alpine Swift for the inland county, with the last occuring in 2005.

Wildlife Aid Foundation volunteer Helena Finden-Browne releases the swift back into the wild (Wildlife Aid Foundation / Abbey Warner).

You can find out more about Wildlife Aid at www.wildlifeaid.org.uk.