Residents at a care home in Wellington saw their spirits soar after a fun-filled day with their feathered friends.

Camelot House and Lodge, which provides dementia care, hosted a number of engaging bird-related activities.

They also gave residents the opportunity to observe them from their windows, staying out of the bleak cold.

The day came about after staff learnt about Bird Day, an American awareness initiative that has taken place every January 5 since 1894.

Camelot's manager, Zillah Oakes said: "Many of our residents regularly enjoy the Great Garden Birdwatch on TV, but it's a big ask for them to keep reliable notes on what they see, so we came up with a bundle of more easily achievable bird-themed activities that are keeping them very happy."

One key activity involved gifting residents binoculars to view birds in the garden from the lounge.

Ms. Oakes added: "Some of the residents become quite animated when they spot one of their favourite species like robins, blue tits, blackbirds and goldfinches.

"It brings them so much pleasure."

She also mentioned the collective mystery and curiosity surrounding the identity of a few birds that flew off before they could be properly identified.

Somerset County Gazette: The day came about after staff learnt about Bird Day, an American awareness initiative that has

Besides birdwatching, residents also participated in bird-based arts and crafts, quizzes on bird identification, and even created bird-themed bunting.

Excited about the ongoing success of the project, Ms. Oakes said: "Obviously we're all looking forward to being able to sit in the garden again in the spring, but in the meantime on these bright, cold days it's a real pleasure doing these activities together."

This bird-watching scheme is part of a more comprehensive programme of activities curated to foster engagement and socialization among residents.

The facility is one among several owned by the award-winning dementia care providers, Camelot Care.