Whittington House Walks with Hawks

On Saturday 8th April, Clare and Ian from 'Walks from Hawks' brought a collection of birds of prey to show off their talons when they made a flying visit to Whittington House Nursing Home in Cheltenham.Residents and members of the team at Whittington House enjoyed this animal therapy session when they welcomed their visitors of the flying and feathered variety, when this Cheltenham based group flew in for a visit.Up-close and personal with the spectacular birds of prey The residents ‘oohed and aahed’ over a handful of beautiful birds, including a barn owl, Burrowing Owl and Kestrel, as well as enjoying a hands-on experience where residents and the team were allowed to hold and pet the winged visitors.Ian and Clare from 'Walks with Hawks' were kind enough to take the birds to the resident’s rooms who were not able to participate in the group session.An animal therapy success! 88-year-old resident Clarice said: “I have never seen anything like it – aren’t they beautiful!”Whittington House Activities Coordinator Jo Cann added: “Our residents love having animals at their home and the birds of prey has kept them talking for days.” This event will definitely be repeated and Walks with Hawks will return with some of their larger Birds of Prey."One of our residents who loves to paint flowers, was so enthralled by the wonderful markings on the birds that she is now keen to turn her hand to painting them and has asked our Activities Coordinators for a photograph. The activity encouraged residents to leave their room to take part and sparked conversations with some of the shyer residents.If you would like to find out more about life at Whittington House, or would like to speak to a member of our team, or to arrange a visit, please contact us on 0808 223 5396 or [email protected].About Walks with Hawks Walks with Hawks are based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in the heart of the Cotswolds. They offer Bird of Prey Experiences, including Hawk Walks, Owl Encounters and Educational Visits. Their staff are professional, knowledgeable and have a wealth of practical experience.Click here to find out more about Walks with Hawks[gallery columns="4" size="medium" ids="19543,19542,19545,19544"]