THE search for missing European eagle owl Megan was feared to have come to a tragic end when a Swindon bird lover reported her dead.

Shirley Driver found the mutilated body of an owl in her Bowood Road garden, believing it to be missing Megan.

She called the RSPCA to report the grim discovery but after consulting with the organisation realised it was not the three foot giant of Swindon’s skies but more likely a hapless tawny owl instead.

“I was convinced it was the missing owl,” said Mrs Driver, 73.

“I came out in the morning and saw the mess and thought ‘oh no, a fox has had it’. I am quite relieved it is not the missing owl.”

It is more than a week since Megan escaped from her home in Upper Stratton.

The brown speckled bird – which has a wingspan of six metres – flew free on Sunday, March 7.

Despite a flutter of sightings around the Stratton and Cheney Manor area, she is yet to be caught and may be relying on a diet of wild rabbits and mice to survive.

“I thought we might see her round here because there’s a lot of wildlife,” said Mrs Driver “I saw a picture of it in the Advertiser and I’d quite like to see it to be honest.”

Wild eagle owls live on a diet of large birds and a variety of small to medium-sized mammals such as rabbits and hares, roe deer fawns, young foxes and hedgehogs. They are also known to prey on newts, frogs and crabs.

Despite being bred in captivity Megan may resort to her natural instincts swooping down on potential prey. Police issued a message to pet owners last week, warning that this could include cats and small dogs.

There is no suggestion however that the bird would attack small children as it has been in contact with children throughout its life.

Wiltshire Police, said: “We have not had any confirmed sightings of the owl recently but it is still on the loose.

“We would encourage anyone who spots it to call Wiltshire Police or the RSPCA.

Anyone who sees the owl should call Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively they can call the RSPCA North Wiltshire branch on 01793 640136 or 0300 1234 999.