Crew on Royal Navy warship HMS Defender discover feathered allies on board

Personnel aboard Portsmouth-based HMS Defender discovered a nest with two baby pigeons tucked away so discreetly that neither of the stowaways were noticed until after the ship had departed.

It left crew with the unusual challenge of having to keep the fledglings alive by feeding and keeping them warm using the limited resources available.

After a confusing start, staff from Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital and The Happy Hedgehog Rescue offered advice to those on board.

They then collected the tearaway twins when they returned to shore following their five day maritime adventure.

Back at Brent Lodge, in Sidlesham, West Sussex, the birds were treated to a large square meal, then given a comfy warm bed.

They will remain at the location until they are ready to be released.

The discovery comes after a racing pigeon made a new home after taking a break in the hangar of HMS Queen Elizabeth.

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