Owl goes for swim in lake after being attacked by falcons (video)

A great horned owl took a dip in Lake Michigan this week, after two peregrine falcons attacked the bird, forcing it into the water.

The unexpected sight was witnessed by birdwatchers in Chicago who filmed the owl swimming in the lake.

In a video posted on YouTube, the majestic owl is seen perfecting the butterfly stroke.

Birder Steve Spitzer filmed the owl and told WGN-TV that bird rescue was called to the scene, but the owl flew away.

While owls are known for their almost silent flight, it is not unheard of for them to go swimming, Julia Ponder, the executive director of The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, told Live Science.

The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl, is a large owl native to the Americas and is extremely adaptable.

Last year, an exhausted owl was seen clinging to the front of a canoe after being rescued from the icy waters of a lake in Finland .

Local Pentti Taskinen was out paddling on Lake Tuusula when he spotted something strange moving up ahead in the water.

As he drew closer he was shocked to discover that it was an exhausted Northern Hawk Owl that was struggling to keep its head above water.

According to Pentti, the bedraggled owl at first tried to swim away from his canoe but then turned back apparently looking for help.