Posts Tagged ‘Birds’

Just in case you were wondering, I did manage to get some face shot of some critters at the zoo. I don’t know why, but birds seem to love me. They are happy to preen and pose while I take photos. For instance, this little Road Runner was quite the charmer. He was so happy when I spoke to him and would fluff his feathers and chirp.

Road Runner :: "Look at me! Pay attention to me!"

By the way, am I the only one who, as a child, had different expectations for the appearance of a Road Runner – expectations which were set by Looney Toons?

Looney Toons Road Runner

The NC Zoo also had a Blue Crowned Pigeon like the one at the Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Like the one at the bird park, the zoo’s pigeon is a ham. However, he had flown into a treetop inside the tropical forest habitat to escape some bratty children who were trying to pick him up. Poor bird! Once safely away from the grabby hands of hellspawn, he was happy to pose for those of us with cameras.

Blue Crowned Pigeon :: "Get away from me, brats!"

They also have a beautiful parrot in the tropical rainforest habitat. He was happily munching on a pecan when I snapped this photo.

Parrot :: "Snack time!"

And this eagle outside the baboon habitat was also happy to pose for photos. Seconds after he calmly posed for this picture he started flapping his wings and bobbing. I think he was demanding praise and a treat for being such a good sport.

Bataleur Eagle :: "There! Now give me a treat!"

However, my day wouldn’t have been complete without at least one photo of a bird’s ass. These flamingos were all facing me, but a group of screaming rugrats approached right as I went to take the photo. Thus, they decided it was best to do what all the other animals at the zoo did all day long: present us with their asses.

Flamingo :: "We are SO not interested in your screaming kids!"

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.