Archive for the ‘Renovation’ Category

When I visited Sylvan Heights Bird Park last weekend, I noticed right away that the park was surprisingly free of children. I only saw one or two small kids amidst the throngs of people, most of whom were lugging some serious photography equipment. In fact, I felt a bit like a Spring chicken; the average visitor to the park appeared to be at least 60! Perhaps it’s true; we all turn into old men and women who just want to feed the pigeons…or, in this case, photograph them. Then again, maybe I just got very lucky and attended on a perfect Fall Saturday when people with children weren’t interested in going to the bird park. Either way, I’ll take it!

Here are some more of the adorable little feather puffs you can see at Sylvan Heights Bird Park:

Javan Pond Heron :: "WAIT! This isn't my best side!"

This little Javan Pond Heron kindly gave me a different angle.

"Does this angle make me look fat?!"

If you’re looking for a fun childfree getaway and are within reasonable driving distance of Scotland Neck, NC, you should consider visiting Sylvan Heights Bird Park. In addition to getting to view a large variety of gorgeous birds from around the world (many of which are endangered), you’ll also be supporting a sanctuary which takes in abandoned, neglected, and abused birds commonly kept as pets. They have habitats filled with Macaws, Cockatoos, Parrots, and Conures. Some of these birds easily outlive their owners because they have lifespans of over 100 years, and many find themselves with nowhere else to go besides the Bird Park. So, not only will you get to spend a fun day walking around a beautifully wooded park, your admission and donations go to help support their rescue efforts.

In light of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, I would like to encourage everyone to take some time and do what you can. While I’m sitting here with my laptop, enjoying a beautiful early Spring day in NC, Japanese people are struggling to find water, food, and medical care. During catastrophic events, the medical care infrastructure is usually destroyed or rendered inoperable.

Miyagi Prefecture, Japan - Post Tsunami (AP Photo/Kyodo News)

That’s an ambulance in the above photo.  Medical staff is going to have a difficult time accessing and transporting injured tsunami and quake victims.  As such, I would like to encourage everyone to donate to Doctors Without Borders.  They are a fantastic organization which provides urgent medical care during times of crises like the Japanese tsunami.  Since they are independent and not affiliated with any one country or religion, they are often allowed to assist in places where religious/country-sponsored organizations are not.

Please, donate.  I can’t go to Japan and personally assist, but I can help support those who do.