A GANNET was found in a field in Quedgeley after being blown off course in gales caused by the tail end of Hurricane Katia.

The bird was taken away by the RSPCA before being released into the wild.

A few days earlier another gannet was found in Gloucester.

Nature reserve warden James Lees from Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust recovered the bird.

Gannets can be vicious and in July this year a man had an eyeball pecked out when he tried to help one in south Wales.

"They crouch down and if threatened they will spring up and use their sharp beak to aim for the face and the eyes," said Mr Lees.

The seabirds, which measure one metre from head to tail and have a wingspan of nearly two metres, are thought to have been blown inland from the Bristol Channel or Pembrokeshire.

Unlike seagulls, gannets are unable to scavenge for food in towns since they are only suited to diving from a height into the sea to pursue fish.

Mr Lees warned that if the stormy weather continues we are likely to see more seabirds blown inland.

The rescued gannets were taken to Vale Wildlife Hospital in Beckford to be treated before being released into the wild.

Anyone who finds a gannet should not handle it but call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.