01 August 2005 00:00 Kieran the kingfisher causes a flap at Central Networks site

Last week feathers were ruffled at Central Networks’ offices in Tipton when a VIP visitor paid an unexpected flying visit to the site.

The first that Central Networks staff knew of their special guest was when they heard a loud thud on the window and rushed outside to find the kingfisher lying on the ground.

Jane Roberts, a training administrator at the centre, was among those to tend the kingfisher – who was quickly named Kieran.

Jane said: “Kieran was obviously stunned and had some damage to one of his wings. We did what we could to make him comfortable and then a couple of the guys got onto the internet to find out how we should treat an injured kingfisher.

“One of our trainers, Chris Roberts, fed him water from his finger and we tried to keep him quiet for a while to give him time to recover.”

After a couple of hours, when it became obvious that Kieran was still unable to fend for himself, a local vet was contacted, who put them in touch with the Woodlands Wildlife Camp at Aldridge, near Walsall, which regularly treats injured birds. Apprentice Russell Pemberton then carefully loaded Kieran into the back of his car and delivered him safely to the centre.

“Staff at the centre said it was very rare for them to receive a kingfisher for treatment, but the good news is that Kieran is expected to make a full recovery.”

Although situated in the heart of the Black Country, Central Networks’ Tipton office is no stranger to the occasional visit from local wildlife, as it overlooks a nearby lake.

Jane continued: “We regularly see herons and geese, badgers and foxes but Kieran was our first kingfisher and he’s certainly made a lasting impression!”
ENDS

Notes to editors:
•Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
•Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information please contact:
Emily Highmore on 024 7642 4583
Out of hours, call 024 7642 4000 and ask for the duty press officer