It Was Like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but with Birds...

   We are at the half way point and it is amazing how fast they come out of their shells (the campers not the animals)...today they walked in and gave me a list of what they liked and learned at the Sea Turtle Rescue.  What they soaked in during the time we were there was amazing.  After processing yesterday we prepared for today. Then we headed to our vans to hit the open road and learn about some birds of prey.

  Part of our COVID protocols has us stopping part way through each road trip for a mask break.  While we are taking a mask break it seems to be a good time for a snack and water or juice break.  Sometimes the locations of where we stop can be as interesting as where we are going.  Today we stopped around the corner from the Columbus County Extension Office at a fitness park.  There was a great shelter so we could get out of the sun and enjoy some time outside and just breathe before putting our masks back on, jumping in the van, and getting to our destination.

  We headed to Skywatch in Castle Hayne today.  It was our first time and we really weren't sure what to expect.  We came up on an old house and went to the driveway door to ring the bell and the door magically swung open.  A very nice volunteer let us in and we were also greet by three emus just running around inside.  As the volunteer explained about the rescue center and where we could go and what we could see, our eyes got lost look at the myriad of birds around us.  From domestic, to wild, farm, to donkeys (yes the four legged kind) we had a veritable adventure that our eyes were feasting on.

  Right away everyone was taken with the emus.  They would come up and let you pet them, and would walk with you just in case you might have a grape to fee them.  The peacocks were probably the second biggest attraction.  They were coming into mating season and feathers were flying as the race for a mate took place.  We had the opportunity to see ducks, geese. and chickens. There were parrots, partridges, and a turkey vulture (that has a stuffed animal chicken to play with.  there were also donkeys and horses at the center.  I suppose they keep the barn owls company.

  After wandering, playing, learning and make new friends it was time to climb into the van, take a moment at a local park for lunch and head home.  It was a day filled with the knowledge of birds and birds of prey and their important roles in our world.  To see more of this great adventure please check out this link to our photos.