Partridge wanders into north London dry cleaners, owner says it's a lucky omen

 
'Lucky': Hassan Volkan, proprietor of Sun Dry Cleaners, with his partridge (Pictures: Hassan Volkan/Google StreetView)
Ramzy Alwakeel30 April 2015

A "lucky" partridge that has taken up residence in a north London dry cleaner's shop has sparked an upturn in business, its manager said.

The stray bird, which wandered into Hassan Volkan's Tufnell Park business Sun Dry Cleaners 10 days ago, was injured and unable to fly.

But after nursing it back to health, Mr Volkan, who runs the shop in Fortess Road, plans to release it into the woods on his next shooting trip.

"I was working in my shop and it just walked in," the 54-year-old told the Standard.

"Sometimes I go hunting for woodpigeons and I can't find them - but now they come and find me in the city.

"Its wings were damaged. That's why I looked after it. If I left it a fox would eat it because it can't fly.

"The RSPCA said I had to release it, but where am I going to leave it in town? I can't release it in a park because it can't get anywhere."

Care: Mr Volkan said he had been looking after the bird as its wing was injured (Picture: Hassan Volkan)

Grandfather Mr Volkan said he had made the bird a "nice box cage" and bought her lettuce and cucumbers.

He instantly recognised the species, he said, because partridges are common in his native Cyprus.

"In my tradition they give you luck," he explained. "When it came in, my business picked up. It's much, much better, believe me.

"That's why I'm looking after it very nicely."

Despite pride in his find, Mr Volkan will not allow customers to see the bird in case she becomes panicked and tries to escape.

"But she's very good [with me]," he added.

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