Residents of Blackwater Mill Residential Home enjoyed a real treat when Peggy the British Barn Owl paid them a visit.
Peggy was born during the first lockdown and was sadly stuck to her shell which resulted in her having a mini-stroke. She was given to Keely Woodberry, from Key’s Little Birds, to try and save.
Keely taught her to walk, although she could only walk backward to begin with. She can now walk forward and can even fly for short distances, although she has a disabled wing. From not being expected to live, Peggy has now reached the age of 2.
However, because of her disability she can’t be released into the wild, and as she has bonded with Keely, she now lives with her. She spends the days outside in her aviary and at night she sits on the end of Keely’s bed and watches over her.
Keely, who works at Blackwater Mill, brought Peggy in for a visit, and all the residents had the opportunity to stroke her and even hold her. Their faces were an absolute picture, wreathed in smiles and wonder.
The visit lasted a couple of hours and Peggy was very well behaved the whole time. She went from room to room spreading her magic wherever she went. Not only were the residents enjoying her visit, so were the staff, who also enjoyed the chance to interact with her.
Penny T’yau, General Manager, said:
“It is wonderful to be able to give our residents these special experiences, they really help them to live a full and happy life. We are very grateful to Keely, she has generously given up her own time to help our residents with their life enrichment.”
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A brilliant story. A huge ‘well done’ to Keely on what you have accomplished.
There truly is something wise about an owl
Another lovely story amongst all the nastiness on the island of late.
How lovely. These birds are ‘magical’ so beautiful. Well done to Keely for rescuing Peggy and giving this beautiful bird a chance of life. What a special visitor all the residents of Blackwater Milk had. So lucky to be able to get up close and interact with Peggy.