Halstead care home residents join in Big Garden Birdwatch

Residents at a care home in Halstead had a hoot taking part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – along with some VIP guests. 

Keen to learn more about the nature surrounding Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, residents took part in the world’s largest annual wildlife survey with the help from two feathered friends, Casper the barn owl and Mabel the harris hawk.

Residents set about making the home’s garden a paradise for all birds big and small, making sure feeders were topped up with the tastiest treats before enjoying an educational meet-and-greet with Casper and Mabel, from Owls & Birds of Prey Rescue, Halstead.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch encourages people throughout the UK to take a closer look at the nature on their doorsteps by counting the different birds, as well as recording any non-bird species such as badgers and hedgehogs, which visit their garden in any one hour.

Commenting on the experience, 72-year-old Peter Kluss, a resident at Colne View, said: “I have always enjoyed birdwatching and am passionate about making sure the garden here attracts all kinds of birds.

“It was wonderful to see Casper and Mabel up close and learn all about them!”

Monica Boldeata, Home Manager at Colne View, added: “As well as supporting the RSPB, the Big Garden Birdwatch was also a brilliant opportunity for residents to share their knowledge with one another – and meeting Casper and Mabel was definitely a bonus too.

“Here at Colne View, we’re passionate about supporting fulfilling lives, and ensuring residents are able to maintain their hobbies is a huge part of that. We have many residents who love birdwatching and we even have photographs from resident wildlife expert, Peter, dotted around the home for everyone to enjoy!

“We were delighted to be part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and I’d like to extend a big thank you to Kala and John from Owls & Birds of Prey Rescue for bringing Casper and Mabel along to join in the fun!”

Colne View is a care home designed to deliver the very best standards of care, and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home offers a range of services including residential care, residential dementia care and respite care.