Small, red breasted toucans hop along the handrail beside me, coming in for a closer look. I talk to them, even though I think I may be a little loca for doing this - considering if this is how Prince Charles began conversing with his plants, hmmm.
I have never been in an aviary quite like this. It is a cross between a zoo cage and a national park visit. Huge aviary rooms are filled with local rainforest trees and creeks. Tourists are invited to walk inside and down the central path through to the other end of the aviary. Within are several species of toucans, ibis and currasows among others bird life. The birds can choose to hang back in the trees, on the gr
ound, in the water or anywhere they like away from us. But many choose to wander over to us human species for a better aquaintance. They've likely been born and raised here, not seeing any cause to worry about us people. Being surrounded by these exotic creatures is like being in a fairytale.
ound, in the water or anywhere they like away from us. But many choose to wander over to us human species for a better aquaintance. They've likely been born and raised here, not seeing any cause to worry about us people. Being surrounded by these exotic creatures is like being in a fairytale.
I could spend all day in the first aviary with these beauties. I spend ages looking at the brilliant markings, listening to the singsong (sometimes screech) and watching the unique mannerisms of each species. But my boys are all enthusiastic to go to the next cage filled with macaws.
The macaw aviary is also filled with beautiful birds. All sorts of macaws: scarlett, red and green, hyacinth macaws. And lots of parrots as well. But the cage was so noisy - it felt a bit more like a huge cage at a store - too many birds, too loud and very agitated. I felt sorry for them, having recently experienced the thrill of seeing flocks of these majestic creatures following their instincts and gathering at clay licks near the Manu research centre. Here, they all seemed to be fighting for spots of branches. Given the intentions of the park, I imagine that some thought was put into the number of and types of birds that can be housed in a given space - but I left feeling unsure about their macaw space.
We covered the entire bird park in a couple of hours. For the most part, a very well built and managed space. The bird exhibits seemed to be planned around a good space for the bird and an educational experience for the tourists.
The African Grey aviary was one of the most special to me. I couldn't hold one, of course, but loved standing for awhile and watching these red-tailed, tuxedoed old men. They are always special to me, having taken care of my grandfathers African Grey, Aristotle, for a few years. So clever and funny too.
The first aviary was another return spot. Who can get tired of a place where toucans and currasows come to sit by you? That space felt more intimate, tranquil and natural than the rest of the park.
Andy fell in love with a toucan - well, several, actually. One in particular that looked like Rafael's wife in the animated movie Rio. She seems to have a heartshaped lipstick imprint on the end of her long toucan-beak. And the one in the aviary seemed to fancy Andy. In fact, I'd say she was openly flirting, the hussy. What is it with men and birds?
all the pics:
No comments:
Post a Comment