A bird conservation charity has declared a buzzard fortunate to have survived after becoming trapped in the grille of a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Oxfordshire Wildlife Rescue responded following the collision in the small settlement of Christmas Common close to Watlington on Sunday 15 March.

A striking photograph displays the raptor, which sustained a lacerated wing, draped across the vehicle’s front end adjacent to the nearside headlamp.

Personnel from the wildlife rehabilitation facility attended the scene and successfully extracted the creature without causing additional harm or scratching the Land Rover Defender.

Staff anticipate the bird will soon be returned to its natural habitat and will make a complete recovery.

A representative from the organisation stated the buzzard escaped with remarkable luck. Following impact with the vehicle that caused it to become jammed in the bodywork, their emergency wildlife service attended to help this distressed creature. Fortuitously, the sole injuries sustained were a torn wing, which has since been treated, and significant disorientation. Happily, the buzzard is progressing favourably under the care of their veterinary team and everyone hopes this unfortunate but spirited patient will shortly be flying again. They appeal to those able to support them to consider making a charitable contribution through their website.