South Wake Conservationists

What a truly great day SWC had on Saturday during our recent outing to Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck! The sun was shining, the birds were vocalizing their presence, and the air was filled with a sense of wonder as we explored this incredible park.

From the moment we stepped outside of the visitor center, we were captivated by the sheer diversity of avian life. Birds from almost every continent greeted us with their vibrant plumage and unique calls. We saw everything from small brightly colored songbirds to towering, stately cranes (one species almost 6′), each a testament to the beauty and variety of nature. Of course, no day trip would be complete without some delicious food! We thoroughly enjoyed lunch in town at La Cassetta, savoring Italian flavors and sharing our favorite bird sightings of the morning.

After lunch, some of the group went back to the park to catch the scheduled Keeper Chat about the magnificent King Vulture. This particular vulture looks remarkably different from the black or turkey vultures we commonly see around North Carolina. With its striking colors, it’s a creature that really stands out! We learned that this vulture is native to South America and currently not endangered, unlike its cousins in Africa which face tragic threats from poisoning related to elephant poaching. The vulture was incredibly comfortable with her keeper as he has cared for her since she was a baby. She showed off her powerful beak by ripping pieces off a log and the keeper joked about keeping his shoes out of her reach! 

The park is currently raising funds to add a brand new habitat that will feature African penguins! This exciting addition means another trip may be needed in the future once that habitat is open. Sylvan Heights is a great day trip option from the Triangle Area, and we highly recommend visiting if you can!