A SANCTUARY is trying to trace the owner of a bird of prey that fell victim to motorway traffic.

The Saker falcon, nicknamed Sandy, was handed into the Wowls sanctuary in Llangibby after it was rescued on the M4 near the Celtic Manor.

Dave Cooksey, who runs Wowls, nursed the injured bird back to health after its close encounter.

"Apparently, a driver witnessed the bird getting hit by another car and very bravely stopped, got out and picked it up from the carriageway," said Mr Cooksey, who has run the sanctuary near Caerleon for 16 years. "It was handed into Newport police station who, in turn, handed it over to us.

"It had injured its pelvis, but luckily it had damaged its nerves and not any bones. We've looked after it for nearly a month and now it's a very lively and healthy bird."

Mr Cooksey, aged 58, believes the falcon, which is native to hotter countries, may have escaped its owner.

"We found part of the jess (leather strap) around his legs and I suspect he broke off from it," he said.

"I don't think it was a case of the owner flying him because he was coming into moult.

"It's never advisable to fly birds during that time as they are effectively losing their old feathers and growing new ones."

Sandy, an adult bird, was also found with an identification ring on his leg. "We have tried tracing his owner through the ring, but the details have gone astray," said Mr Cooksey.

"If the owner comes forward he or she should be able to tell us the number on the ring."

The falcon is one of 70 birds being cared for by the sanctuary, which relies on public donations.

If you are Sandy's owner or know where the bird came from, contact Mr Cooksey on 07831 623627.