Birdland Celebrates Feathered Fathers
Birdland Park and Gardens are paying tribute to some of the finest feathered fathers as part of a weekend celebration for Father’s Day (June 15th-16th).
In addition to its daily talks and feeding programmes the Bourton-on-the-Water attraction is also staging a series of special activities highlighting some of most hard-working avian dads.
For some bird species it is the males that actually end up doing most of the hard work when it comes to looking after the babies.
“For rheas, cassowaries and emus after the females lay eggs in their nests it’s the males who will then incubate them for 40 or so days and be responsible for protecting the chicks once they hatch out,” said head keeper Alistair Keen.
“King penguin parents share incubation of their single egg – taking it in turns to keep the egg warm on top of their feet.
“Many other male birds also help incubate the eggs during the day, when the chicks need lots of food and predators may be about,” he added.
Birdland Park and Gardens, in Bourton-on-the-Water, is home to one of the largest collections of exotic birds in the UK.
Located in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds, the park’s magical combination of wildlife, woodland, riverside and gardens makes it the perfect day out.
Birdland cares for more than 500 birds, ranging from England’s only breeding colony of king penguins and awesome birds of prey to parrots, cassowaries and cranes in a mix of free-flying and aviary displays.
The park also incorporates indoor enclosures for a variety of exotic birds and other wildlife alongside a host of other features and attractions; including the dinosaur-themed Jurassic Journey.
There’s a host of fun, entertaining and informative events and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy taking place throughout the year.
