Wild feathered visitors lift spirits at local rest homes

Residents at four local rest homes are benefiting from an initiative organised by local bird enthusiast Susan Oliver.

"The Wild Bird programme" was first conceived when Susan visited a friend who had moved into Elizabeth R. "I realised that she, and many of the residents, would enjoy watching wild birds. Many of the residents may have limited mobility, but their minds are alert and they enjoy learning about new things. Bird watching is an ideal activity, as some of the most important qualities for successful and satisfying bird watching are having sufficient time, sitting still, being quiet and being able to pay attention."

Susan describes herself as "a keen feeder of birds in my own garden," and has spent many happy years observing and learning more about them.

Once Susan came up with the idea of encouraging residents to sit and watch the birdlife, she did some research into how best to put this into action. "An American study found while providing food and feeding platforms was a start, it was insufficient. It seems the 'watchers' need encouragement, prompts, questions and educational material to best develop interest, knowledge and appreciation of the wild birds."

Susan then designed her programme and approached the Toko Lions, asking them to sponsor it.

"They have been really generous, providing financial support enabling me to set up feeder stations and plants in each of the gardens, along with providing food for the birds and educational material."

The project is running in four rest homes in the community , Elizabeth R, Marire, Molly Ryan and Maida Vale and Susan says it has already been incredibly popular with residents and staff alike. "The staff at Elizabeth R have already purchased extra bird tables so more residents could enjoy watching the birdlife visit, while the staff at Molly Ryan were thrilled when wax eyes began to visit, a bird they had not seen in the gardens before they set up the feeding stations."

She adds that the staff at Elizabeth R were the first to sign up for the project, and their enthusiasm and support has been "inspiring".

Susan says she is also grateful to the product sponsors who have helped her out with discounts and additional products. These sponsors are Backyard Birds, Woodchoppas, Topflite and Big Jims Garden Centre.

Susan's project encourages the residents to watch the birds, while also providing the diversional therapy team at the rest homes with resources to deepen the residents' connection and engagement with the birds.

"Even residents with no particular interest in birds can find pleasure and satisfaction in ancillary activities from the programme such as making pinecone feeders, fat balls etcetera or listening and learning to identify birds by their song and appearance.

Should the programme continue to be as successful as it already is, Susan plans to create a written plan for the Wild Bird Programme to be distributed, free of charge, to other rest homes.

"It is my hope that lots of rest homes see the benefit in encouraging everyday birds into the rest home garden environment to enhance the quality of life of residents."