A CARE home had bird-feeders filled and binoculars at the ready when it took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch with the help of some special feathered friends.

Residents at Care UK’s Perry Manor on Charles Hastings Way participated in the annual wildlife survey, and recorded the number of birds, as well as other wildlife species, they spotted in their garden.

The care home was visited by Walks with Hawks, and a variety of birds of prey and owls, for residents to meet up close.

Residents also had fun getting creative in the lead-up to the birdwatch, by painting bird boxes to hang in the home’s gardens.

2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which encourages people nationwide to count the birds in their gardens to allow the charity to monitor trends and understand how different species are doing. Data from over half a million people is then compared year-on-year to provide a ‘snapshot’ of bird numbers across the UK.

Home manager at Perry Manor, Katherine Matthews, said: “The birdwatch is always an incredibly popular activity with residents, so we were delighted that Walks with Hawks could join us to make this event even more special for everyone involved. All of the residents enjoyed taking part, and in particular meeting the impressive creatures up close.

“It was a wonderful day for everyone involved and I’d like to say thank you to Walks with Hawks for joining us and making this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch one to remember. We all had a fantastic time."