This footage was filmed and produced 11 July 2023.

In a dramatic rescue captured on video, a starving Eurasian eagle-owl found itself in distress on the beach of Calahonda, Mijas, Spain. Venturing out during the day in search of food, the owl was mobbed by seagulls, leaving its feathers waterlogged and unable to fly. Exhausted and desperate, it had no choice but to swim back to the shore.

A concerned local called for help, and workers from the Environment department of Mijas rushed to the scene. With care and precaution, they used a blanket to cover the owl, ensuring it didn't stress out during the rescue. Once safely secured, the owl was taken to the Environment Department facilities for treatment and recovery.

It's not uncommon for small raptors like the Eurasian eagle-owl to face seagull attacks, as these birds are highly aggressive when it comes to food. Thankfully, the owl was not injured, but it needed to regain weight and be kept isolated to avoid becoming dependent on humans. Once fully recovered, it will be released back into its natural habitat.

While it's normal to see these magnificent creatures in the area due to the abundance of trees, spotting them during the daylight is unusual. The owl's loyalty to its partner is remarkable, often spending up to 20 years together. In the province of Malaga alone, there are believed to be around 50 Eurasian eagle-owl couples.