Birds of prey winged it to a care home for the elderly to entertain the OAPs.

A harris hawk and four owls – including an impressive 6lb European eagle owl – swooped in to Aden House Care Home at Clayton West.

The stunning birds were brought in by falconer Wayne Auty and his wife Kat, who works as events organiser at the home.

Kat said the wild bird showcase had gone down well with the residents.

“It’s something different for residents and it really brightens their day,” she said.

“It’s a great way to bring people out of themselves – even those who have dementia respond well to the birds.

“They enjoy seeing them and some get to hold them.

“The residents love it and it gives them something to talk about.”

Kat and Wayne look after 12 wild birds at their sanctuary in Scissett and also help rehabilitate injured wild birds.

Birds that made the short trip to Aden House included barn owls, Bubbles and Squeek, Storm the Harris hawk, Willow the European eagle owl and Orville the small owl. Kat said the while the birds of prey preferred to be outdoors they were comfortable meeting a room of OAPs.

“They do it all the time,” she said.

“It’s quite normal to them.

“They do love to fly and we do have outdoor events where they love to show off.

“They all have their own personalities.”