Walks with Hawks join Sandfields residents for a ‘twitching’ good time

Home news

Feb 08, 2019

Sandfields 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 a special feathered friend. 

Residents at Sandfields 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 ‘Thor’, one of their burrowing owls, for residents to meet up close. Residents also learned all about this fantastic creature and other wildlife in an informative nature-focused Q&A session.

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.  

Malaika Charles, deputy home manager at Sandfields, 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 Thor up close. The friendly owl took a tour of the Sandfields, even visiting residents’ rooms to ensure everyone had the opportunity to meet him.

“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 and will continue our hobby over the coming months.”