RESIDENTS of a local retirement home received a visit from some unusual guests.

Five birds of prey swooped into Harts House in Woodford Green, as part of Bupa Wildlife Week.

Accompanied by Randal Carey from Countrywide Falconry, the birds were allowed to fly free in the home, settling on armchairs and zimmer frames to allow the pensioners a close up view.

Among the feathered visitors were Olga the eagle, and Pippa the barn owl who flew over the heads of residents in the home’s grand lounge.

Harts House manager Juliana Miles said: “It was one of the best events we have ever had.

“There was a little bit of bird poo on the carpet, but other than that everything went very well.

“The residents were enthralled by it and they are still talking about the visit now.

“To see birds of prey sitting on a zimmer frame was an extraordinary sight.”

Wildlife Week officially begins on Monday (September 26), and the Harts Home residents will be getting involved in some more bird-watching in the home’s garden.

All of Bupa’s 300 care homes will be participating in the event which is run in conjunction with the RSPB and gives residents of care homes the chance to enjoy wildlife at close quarters.

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