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Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Bird park features waterfowl from around the world
Story by Kesha Williams
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It’s not common to spot flamingos in North Carolina unless you are touring the grounds of Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck.
According to founder and director of the park, Mike Lubbock, thousands of birds are awaiting the guests who visit the park Tuesday through Sunday.
Individuals, couples and groups enjoy seeing birds from around the world at this eastern North Carolina bird park. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible and a family friendly environment that welcomes about 65,000 visitors each year.
“It’s the largest bird park in North America, with over 200 species of birds here. To find the next best selection, you’d have to go to the San Diego Zoo in California. So we are way up there on birds,” Lubbock said. “The thing about this park is we allow picnics in there. We find people are coming for the day and they like to bring their lunch. Some buy food from our cafe and enjoy sitting in our good shaded areas.
“That is the popular aspect of our park.”
During the school year, educational programs are prepared for visiting elementary, middle and high school students who are participating in school field trips. The park's education coordinators collaborate with area teachers or other public groups to prepare hands-on outdoor
activities that enhance information youths might learn during classroom discussions.
Civic and social groups often schedule field trips to see birds they can't find at other zoos in the southeastern region. Pictured scavenger hunts are highly recommended so visitors can be alert for specific birds that are on display at the park. There are also continuing education programs available for adult groups.
Touring the park can occupy at least two hours of a visitor’s time. Guests should arrive before 3 p.m. Advance reservations are required for guided and golf cart tours. Non-motorized wheelchairs are available at the Visitors Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park opened in 2006 and remains a favorite spot for first time and returning guests. Guests will enjoy an extraordinary day while winding these outdoor nature trails and aviaries.
Children age two and under are admitted free while admission is charged for everyone older than age 3. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or upon arrival.
Visit Sylvan Heights Bird Park to discover the truth about owls' rotating necks and the reason flamingos often stand on one leg. To schedule a tour, call 252-826-3186 or email education@shwpark.com.
The park’s website is www.shwpark.com.
