Cockatiel found on Scottish fishing boat ten miles out at sea

The fisherman who found it was shocked to find the exotic bird perched on his vessel so far from the shore.

A lost cockatiel has been rescued after it landed on a fishing boat 10 miles out at sea.

The fisherman who spotted it said he was shocked when he found the bird on his vessel near Troon, South Ayrshire.

After giving the escapee some food and water he then returned it to land.

Heihei, the cockatiel found aboard a fisherman's boat at sea picture: SSPCA

Scotland’s animal welfare charity SSPCA said it was surprised to receive the call about the stranded bird found a fair distance from the shore and has launched an appeal to find its owner.

It confirmed the cockatiel was in good health and is now in the care of the charity’s Ayrshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre until its owner is tracked down.

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer, Sheena MacTaggart, said: “This was a very unusual rescue, I’ve never been contacted about a bird finding its way so far out at sea.

“Thank goodness the boat was there so the bird found somewhere to rest.

“He had no obvious injuries, and was given some water and food before being taken to our centre in Ayrshire. We have named him HeiHei after the bird in the film Moana who stows away on her boat. We thought it was very fitting!

“HeiHei does have leg rings but we have been unable to trace his owner.”

She said if anyone recognises HeiHei to please contact the animal helpline on 03000 999 999.