Monday, April 4, 2011

Feathered Friends



We went to the Philadelphia Zoo yesterday thanks to my father for his generous gift of a family membership.
They have a lot of beautiful birds in the zoo both outside and inside at the new McNeil Avian Center.
I think this new center was my daughter's favorite part. We had a great time trying to find and identify all the birds, many of which were roaming around right underfoot.


Buff-crested bustard from Southern Africa.
 He/she was very persistent and pecked the keeper on her way out.


Flamingos looked so pretty against the flowering weeping cherry tree.




Another fancy hair-do on this femaile yellow knobbed curassow.
No knobs on the females, duh.  :)



You don't think of starlings to be very interesting birds but these metallic starlings were and also not afraid of people.







Cutest little duck I ever did see - a ringed teal from southern south America.


Green aracari is a small member of the toucan family.


A barred owl named Shakespeare was rescued from the wild with an eye injury.
She now helps educate visitors in the children's zoo.


14 comments:

jinxxxygirl said...

The red eyes on the starlings were kind of creepy! Thanks for all the lovely bird pictures!

De la Renaissance said...

Beautiful photos of gorgeous birds Jen!! I hope to be able to get back to our zoo this year with the camera! The zoo is rather small however, and does not contain quite this collection of birds!

Unknown said...

Wonderful photos! I spend hours in the aviaries as well. They're so peaceful. But then, I'm extra parchial to birds. :-) Nice gift from your father!

Studio at the Farm said...

Jennifer, thank you so very much for posting these fabulous photos. I think that's a really cute duck, too.

Robin Larkspur said...

Who knew that there were such creatures on earth! Jennifer, thanks for the glorious photos!

Sandy Sandy Art said...

Thanks for the updates about the Phila. Zoo and for sharing your inspiring photos, Jennifer. I need to get over there soon! ☀

Seindria said...

I did love the Philadelphia Zoo, just sad I only got to go the one time.

I should try to get to the Knoxville Zoo more, and the aquariums.

Linda said...

Love the colorful birds--and names--Busterd?!? Funny.

Jennifer Rose said...

i am so jealous! :D i would love seeing all of those gorgeous birds!

Tammie Lee said...

so many amazing and fancy looking birds, wow!

Anonymous said...

Wow...what unique birds! Looks like a great trip!

Jessie said...

Love all the pictures! That Victorian crowned pigeon is amazing! Loved the starlings, too. The owl's name was the best, though. I feel the need to own an owl now, just to name him Shakespeare! LOL

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

Incredible photos Jen! Lots of inspiration for paintings!

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Beautiful beautiful photos! I LOVE the metallic starlings - those eyes! LOL And what a sweet owl - I'm glad he was rescued and is now able to help educate people about our beautiful woodland friends. Theresa