An injured kestrel found near Prestwick has learned to fly again after being cared for at the Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre near Beith.

The bird was found sheltering in the doorway of industrial premises close to the town by a workman last year.

He picked her up, put her safely in a cardboard box and left her in a warm office - which may have saved the bird's life.

Gay Christie, who runs the rescue centre, said: "He did the right things. Most birds following an accident will be in shock, and heat will help them recover.

"When the bird arrived at Hessilhead we could see she was in good condition. There were flight feathers missing from her right wing, but it was impossible to see if there was damage to the wing tip.

"An X-ray would have helped, but that wasn't possible. The vets didn’t want any raptors on site as a Bird Flu precaution.

"The other problem with the kestrel was that she didn't seem to see. In the cage she behaved as if she was blind, always facing the back wall. However, after a few days, the bird was self-feeding."

Gay added: "Last week was time for the kestrel's release. It was good that we knew where she had been found. Releasing a bird in its own territory is always helpful. We chose an open area and opened the box.

"Sometimes we wait for a while till the bird recovers from the journey. Not this time. She was off like a rocket."

Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Centre has been running for over 35 years and became a registered charity in 1986.

The centre occupies a 20-acre site, including woodland, marsh, and open water. 

Hessilhead aims to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and release birds and animals back to the wild and has facilities and experience to treat all species of Scottish wildlife.

Facilities at the centre include an intensive care unit, a swan/seal hospital with an indoor pool, a hedgehog unit, and more than 60 outdoor aviaries, enclosures and release pens.