I had a wonderful day today visiting one of the most important and diverse waterfowl collections. Sylvan Heights Bird Park is not just waterfowl but a diverse collection which I had heard and read about since the 90's. The collection was started by Mike and Ali Lubbock back in 1985 when they moved to N Carolina from their native England. The original mission was to help propagate some of the worlds most endangered waterfowl and even though it is still the main focus, the collection has diversified into consisting of the original breeding center which is closed to the public and the public park open year round.
So off we went through the N Carolina country side on an eighty some mile drive. I think I really scared my friend Mark because he hadn't seen me in action, or should I say braking action! I love barns and whenever I see a beautiful one I slam on the brakes and take pictures. This was his inauguration into my driving habits which serves as warnings to any friends I will be staying with in the future!
I guess I found the cotton capital because there were miles and miles of cotton fields.
Of course I had to have my picture taken next to the sign....
My friend Natalie had helped arrange for my visit with Brad Hazelton. Brad is the General Curator for the public side of the park. He was busy when we arrived but Ali Lubbock herself was kind enough to come and greet us and started giving us a tour until Brad became available.
Brad eventually came and rescued Ali!
One of the first exhibits we were shown was the Australian parakeet walk through aviary. Even though some might think that this is a little boring all you need to do is observe a little child's excitement to see parakeets land on their hand to eat some millet. This is one of the best introductions to the world of birds and Aviculture. In the same exhibit was a Blue Crowned pigeon that came over and started displaying to me. I guess it really liked my goatee!
There is also a pond where you can feed American Flamingos....
After spending a few minutes we then headed to other exhibits. Most of the aviaries are very large, walk through experiences. Some have bunches where you can sit if you'd like and observe the variety of birds in them. Each aviary is setup by continents.
The Scarlet Ibis, in the background, and this Orinoco Goose were in the South American exhibit.
The beautiful Southern Lapwing was enjoying the sun.
Brad explained to me the method he used when he worked at the Fort Worth zoo which helped n the propagation of the lesser flamingos. The birds are closed up at night in this shelter with mirrors which help creat the impression that the flock is much larger than it really is. I found this fascinating and will continue to follow its success.
Another view of the shelter.
A group of Lesser and Chilean flamingos.
A baby flamingo exercising its wings....
A Chilean flamingo adding mud to its nest.
The Javan Pond Herons were new to me, as many of the species I saw today were. The pair still had their 2015 babies in with them.
The Birds of Paradise were out of their beautiful breeding plumage.
The male Argus Pheasant had already started molting and I didn't get to see him in full plumage.
The White winged wood duck s one of the most endangered waterfowl birds in the world. Sylvan Heights owns all of the birds in the United States and they have sent some out to other zoos.
The Madagascar Teal is also one of the worlds most endangered waterfowl first bred in North America at Sylvan Heights.
African Pygmy geese and a single, possibly the only Pygmy goose in the country.
This is an indoor holding building for hummingbirds. Some birds were in the smaller pens are n the left with screen on them and some were in the larger walk in flights.
One of the occupants checking me out!
The pair of Wreathed Hornbills are really unique in that the male has the yellow throat pouch and the females is blue.
A magnificent pair of Abyssinian Ground Hornbills
One of the species that really caught my attention were the African Black Ducks. The hen was following her mate and they just really are beautiful.
This pair of Haurtlaubs Ducks were really friendly and just walked up to an older couple who were sitting on a bench with their grandchild. They were chatting away and when they were satisfied just flew back into the pond.
A Black Spur-winged goose
A pair of Australian Black swans were guarding an area where I presume they normally build a nest.
A new winter shelter is in the process of replacing the old one. This one is being made much stronger, with the cement block contstruction which will help in case of hurricane threats. All of the improvements are made with funding from fund raisers and donations.
On our way back home I got to see the mod run way of picking cotton.
I slammed my brakes one more time to take a picture of this beautiful home. Yes, I think I can sit on that front porch and enjoy reading a great book!
If you ever find yourself in or near N Carolina I highly recommend a visit to Sylvan Heights Bird park in Scotland Neck, N Carolina and I assure you that you will leave with knowing you have just seen one of the best waterfowl and bird collections in the world. I want to thank Ali Lubbock and Brad Hazelton for their great southern hospitality and my friend Natalie for making it possible.
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