Sutton Bridge villagers rally for parrot Frank’s safe return home

Who’s a naughty boy then? A parrot has brought the villagers of Sutton Bridge together after it fled its perch and escaped into the wild.

Frank is a seven-and-a-half-year-old Hahns Macaw who got spooked and flew through an open door, staying outside for two nights last week.

Owner Alison Dymock, 60, has since praised the village for coming together in his search and safe return.

She said: “Frank was out of his cage when we had a parcel thrown over the gate, which spooked the dogs who opened the door and Frank flew out.”

In the ensuing two days, neighbours, strangers, friends and social media all played their part in locating the green feathered bird and reuniting him with his owner.

Nathanial Woodward, 32, first heard what he thought were baby pigeons chirping in a tree in his garden before hearing “Hello Frank!”

Frank was perched at the top of a 30ft tree and Mr Woodward, a keen wildlife photographer, said: “I typed parrot into Facebook and saw Alison’s post which had been shared more than 50 times.”

However, Alison was unable to coax him out of the tree and as she had to leave for Wisbech in her car, Frank took flight and followed her. She turned onto the A17 and realised that Frank had disappeared again. “I thought I had lost him completely.”

People in the community rallied around, with businesses letting her put up posters, the head teacher of Westmere School allowing her to search the grounds and alerting parents of Frank’s disappearance on the school website plus social media groups sharing and putting on updates of any sightings.

Finally, the call came with good news.

Frank had been handed into the vets in Sutton Bridge and the exotic bird was in safe hands.

Mrs Dymock said: “I just want to praise everyone, the whole village worked together to get him back. People I don’t even know are stopping and asking me how he is.”

Mr Woodward added: “There was a real community spirit and Alison got me a gift which touched my heart – she is an amazing woman. Social media can be a good or a bad place. Sutton Bridge did Frank proud.”

Frank is safely back in his cage, enjoying his favourite tipple and treats.

Mrs Dymock said: “He likes a cup of tea – I feed it to him on a spoon – every night before bed with a rich tea finger.

“He says ‘can I come out, night night’ and I will make sure the doors and windows are shut.

“I want to give the village credit for everything they did for me, it is heartwarming. I have lived here for 17 years and they have been fantastic and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”