Ernie the singing parrot has been reunited with his owner after being found straying in Greater Manchester. 

The cockatiel vanished from his Bolton home during stormy weather, and was found elsewhere in Greater Manchester. 

Once alerted, the RSPCA came to rescue him - upon seeing his saviours, Ernie reportedly broke into song. Soon after, he was rehomed to Stockport with a temporary foster carer, while the RSPCA searched for his original owner. 

Alison, based in Bolton, was relieved to have Ernie back. Upon returning home, the cockatiel immediately went to greet his friend Lottie the cockapoo. 

Ernie's first port of call on return to Bolton was to spend time with his friend Lottie (Image via RSPCA)

"It's an absolute miracle we've got him back", Alison said. "I thought something had happened to him and we wouldn't see him again.

"It was so upsetting when he went. Now he's back with the love of his life, Lottie. 

"As soon as he saw her he reacted; I let him out of his cage and he was sitting on her back and riding around. It was like old times as we're used to him just following her around everywhere!"

"He's such a loving and attentive bird. He comes out of his cage at night and we spend time interacting with him and treating him as one of the family. 

"We've had him for two-and-a-half years. It was the first time we've had a bird as a pet, and we don't regret it, as Ernie's got such a great personality.

Ernie may be back in Bolton, but he can at least claim to have seen some Stockport sites on his (mis)adventures (Image via RSPCA)

"I can't thank the RSPCA enough for getting him back to me and the person who found him. At the time I didn't report it, but it's clear that more people should report birds going missing as this just shows how they can be found and reunited with their owners."

RSPCA animal rescue officers Helen Chapman and Lee Ferrans organised Ernie's foster care after he was found and his transportation back home to Bolton.

Lee said: "It was a really happy sight to see when I brought him into the family's home in his cage. Lottie's tail was wagging and her nose was right up against Ernie's cage, while he was dancing side to side frantically, chirping away and touching noses with Lottie.

"It was amazing to see the relationship this bird has with the dog. It was clear that they were both so happy to see each other again. Alison was overjoyed and she also made a kind donation to the RSPCA."

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