It's a hoot: barn owl hitches a ride with Blackfriars commuters

A lost, “friendly” barn owl has been making himself known among commuters on Blackfriars Bridge.

The owl, which is tagged, landed on unsuspecting passerby Andrea Boatswain as she walked near the bridge and she quickly took these pictures.

Commuters said the owl, which appears to be attracted to people’s hats, was “cute”, but the question remains as to who owns it.

Ms Boatswain contacted ITV in a bid to find its owner.

In an email yesterday, she said: “He was last seen on roof of building works in Marigold Alley, SE1 opposite the flats. I walked him on my head around there. Blackfriars Bridge just past the pub at side of bridge facing the river. He may belong to someone living in those flats. He was tagged. Very friendly.”

A First Capital Connect spokesman said: “The owl certainly looks friendly judging by the pictures but we’ve had no reports of him flying into the station or trying to board one of our peak (or should that be beak?) hour services. We hope he finds his owner.”

Henrik Ritzen, 37, a chef, from Hammersmith said: “I think it’s great that there is a bit of wildlife in the middle of the city. Did it escape from a zoo?

“Surely someone has noticed that their owl is missing? But to be honest it would be nice to see a few more of them in London.”

Scott Stewart, 26, an accountant who lives in Aldgate East, said: “I have always been surprised at how much wildlife there is in London. When I used to walk through Wandsworth on my way home I would always see foxes and large birds of prey. I’m not surprised to see the owl.”

Alice Conteh, 18, a student, who lives in Bermondsey, said: “I would never have expected to see an owl here.”

Artist Amelia Bauski, 32, added: “It’s really cute, and weird that it has been communicating with people because owls are usually quite shy.”

In October a male barn owl flew away from a “routine training exercise” in London Zoo, but was found dead three days later in the visitor’s car park.