St Ives care home welcomes feathered friends

Excitement was in the air at a St Ives care home as residents enjoyed an owl-some visit.

Care UK’s Field Lodge, on London Road, welcomed The Raptor Foundation and its selection of birds of prey for residents to interact with.

The feathered visitors included African white-faced eagle owl Bit, African spotted eagle owl Rafiki, English barn owl Trevor and lanner falcon Luna.

The residents were treated to a close-up encounter with the birds while learning facts about their species.

Resident Pauline Cude, 83, said: “It was beautiful to see the birds. My favourite was the barn owl called Trevor. When he flew, his flight was so peaceful.”

Sylvia Robb, 85, added: “It was interesting to learn that pigeons can fly quicker in a straight line than falcons. Falcons, however, dive at speeds of more than 200mph.”

Linda Martinez, Home Manager at Field Lodge, said: “It was wonderful to welcome The Raptor Foundation and give residents the chance to experience these incredible birds in person.

“The excitement and curiosity in the room were fantastic to see.”

Field Lodge is a modern, purpose-built home providing full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, the home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms as well as its own cinema, pub and hair and beauty salon.