Among the Birds

During our visit to Busch Gardens last week, we spent some time in Lory Landing. It's the one stop I make every single time we visit the park. If you're new to my blog, you may not know that I love birds. Birding has quickly become one of my favorite hobbies, so it's only natural that I'd love spending time among the birds while at an amusement park. While people are being plummeted 200 feet to their imminent death straight down towards the ground just a short distance away, I'm feeding cute little birds and ducking for cover whenever one flies inches from my head. It's a thrill all its own. At least for someone who loves birds.

are you getting my good side?

you can't see me

 my husband coaxed this one onto his finger even without the cup of $5 nectar

we caught a bird fight, feathers flew

there's even a home for ducks

such long skinny legs

lovely colorful facial markings

taking in some sun

curious bird

we just caught this one on the way out... it had the most beautiful colors!

It happens every time. I wonder if these birds know they're being held captive. Have they ever experienced the freedom of flying in the world outside? They might be safer from predators in their amusement park save haven, but do they ever want outside of their cage. I wonder where Busch Gardens gets all of these beautiful birds. I am glad we get to enjoy their company.

While it's very different experiencing birds in their natural habitats, I do enjoy seeing exotic birds while in a park too. Not too different than a zoo; these animals are captive. In a cage or not, they are still wild at heart. They may take nibbles of your fingers, they fight, and they fly. They're still birds.