A FEARSOME aerial predator has a young Furness girl to thank after it was saved from almost certain death.

After seeing a stricken sparrowhawk in the middle of a road, 11-year-old Tali Vanbeek, of Walney, took action to save the bird from potentially being hit by a car.

The aftermath of her heroics were captured on camera as Tali managed to get a 'selfie' moments after she had saved the animal.

Tali, a Year 7 pupil at Walney School, said: "I thought it was a stuffed bird at first, like you see in museums.

"So I carried on walking, then I thought if a car hit the bird, it might get a puncture so I went back to take it off the road into a field."

As she went to pick the bird up, Tali noticed it's head suddenly move, while the bird was alive it seemed unable to fly away.

As she brought the bird back to her home, she says that the bird suddenly perked up and began to flap its wings, so she let the bird go.

Before that though, Tali even had time to take a cheeky 'selfie' with the bird when she rescued it.

The bird is believed to have made a full recovery, and Tali says she has seen the bird flying near her house, adding: "It's nice to know that it is OK and flying about."

For anyone else who may find themselves in Tali's position, RSPB wildlife adviser, Ben Andrew, gave some tips on how to handle a bird of prey.

Mr Andrew said: "If  the bird is in immediate danger, collecting it yourself is best and then calling the RSPCA.

"One of the best things to do is wrap it in a coat or towel or keep it in a box until someone can take a look at it.

"The likes of sparrowhawks and owls have very sharp talons and beaks, if you pick it up, wrap it in a towel or coat so there is no risk of it scratching you."