FEATHERED friends at a birds of prey rescue centre are looking for new sponsors to help cover their care costs during the coronavirus pandemic.

With fundraising events cancelled during the lockdown, Wild Wings Birds of Prey is appealing for funds to continue their vital work.

The Risley-based charity serves as a rescue, conservation and education centre for birds of prey, providing emergency medical treatment to give birds the best chance of survival.

Warrington Guardian: This wild tawny owl with a broken wing fully recovered and was returned to the wildThis wild tawny owl with a broken wing fully recovered and was returned to the wild

Vicki Barton, falconer, said sponsorship was one way people could help the centre to cover its costs during these difficult times.

She said: "We can do it on the Facebook page through Pay Pal or we do have an online shop.

"The sponsorship is for 12 months and all the money from the sponsorship, because we are a charity, goes back to the running of the centre."

The pack contains a certificate, information about the particular bird and the supporter's name is displayed outside the bird's aviary for 12 months.

Sponsorship also includes two free visits to the centre when it re-opens.

Warrington Guardian: Eclipse was rescued from a roof in Wigan after her owner had let her go and was then signed over to Wild WingsEclipse was rescued from a roof in Wigan after her owner had let her go and was then signed over to Wild Wings

It is home to many species of owls, hawks, falcons, and an eagle, along with a family of ferrets and raccoons.

Vicki added: "People can choose which bird they want to sponsor.

"We have 120 at any one time but it's the permanent residents which are the ones people can sponsor."

Despite the centre being closed to the public, it is still working hard to rescue birds in need across the borough.

Vicki explained: "A lot of the money we raise is through external events and now they've all been cancelled.

"But, we're still getting call outs- we've had three in the past week which are all going to need vet care."

Warrington Guardian: Harriet the peregrine falcon had been kept in a cat carrier before coming to Wild Wings- photo by Lesley DavidsonHarriet the peregrine falcon had been kept in a cat carrier before coming to Wild Wings- photo by Lesley Davidson

These include a tawny owl which was found on the ground and a sparrowhawk with a broken wing, both requiring intervention and care.

The centre is now ready to release two wild barn owls who came to Wild Wings with injuries, along with three wild kestrels who are now fully recovered.

To find out more about sponsoring a bird with Wild Wings Birds of Prey, visit wildwingsbirdsofprey.co.uk or facebook.com/WildWingsBirds.