Cop rescues baby morepork

Bill Smith of the Department of Conservation bird rescue service with the baby morepork that was rescued last night by Constable Richard Collier. Photo / Christine Cornege

A police officer rescued a storm-drenched baby morepork from the side of the road before making a bed for it at the Hamilton police station.

Constable Richard Collier almost ran over the bird in atrocious weather while on his way to an ATM machine in suburban Chartwell last night.

He checked the bird and found it dishevelled and likely to have been blown from its perch in the storm.

"Once we got it to the station we made a bed for it and tried to get it something to eat but it was a little bit stressed and we set about trying to find it a new home."

Help was on hand with Bill Smith of the Department of Conservation bird rescue service, who arrived at the central city police station this morning to collect the bird.

Mr Smith said the morepork was probably one of this year's chicks.

"It appears fit and well and we'll look to reunite the officer and bird when we're ready to release it later in the year."

Mr Collier was glad of the successful outcome.

"It was a pretty special experience. He was a friendly wee fella, if in fact it was a boy, and our team were pretty stoked at being able to see it on its way safely."