Kestrel rescued after three days trapped under car hood in Belgium

A kestrel has been brought to the VOC Neteland bird rescue center in Herenthout, Belgium, after surviving for three days trapped beneath a car's hood. The bird was found in a weakened state, prompting concern and immediate care from wildlife rescuers.

The unusual situation came to light when the car's owner detected an odd smell and took the vehicle to a mechanic in Kampenhout. It was there, under the hood, that the kestrel was discovered. The bird is now receiving treatment at the center, with staff hoping to eventually release it back into its natural habitat.

Kim Luyten, a caregiver at VOC Neteland, expressed surprise at the incident, noting that kestrels are rare visitors to the center, with only one or two admitted per year. "Maybe it was hunting and somehow ended up there," she speculated, adding that this is the first time they have encountered such a case.

The kestrel was examined by a veterinarian and found to be significantly weakened, underweight, and dehydrated. While its left wing appeared slightly swollen, it was not broken. The bird also suffered a head trauma, leaving it disoriented. As it refused to eat, it is being tube-fed. A follow-up veterinary visit is scheduled, and further examination of the wing may be necessary. If the kestrel recovers fully, it will be released back into the wild.

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Misschien was hij op jacht en is hij daar op 1 of andere manier terechtgekomen.