Breeders Bio (6)

This is the 6th page in the Breeders archive 

To see any other Bio's, in no particular order, please refer back to the
  Breeders Bio index

View on the main pond

Most avid birders yearn for a location which is convenient, and has a good variety of birds to be seen, that fluctuates according to the season. Add to this a venue which has a good selection of micro-environments, together with a selection of exotic birds and a working rehabilitation centre for indigenous birds, and the list shortens radically. 
The cherry on top, however, is that we can boast not only all of these features, but also the availability of a first-class, but affordable country restaurant in The Cuckoo’s Nest, located at Wing Haven Bird Gardens. The Nest can provide breakfasts/ brunch, toasted sandwiches through to Chef’s Specials, and a range of cakes and desserts that will destroy any diet. Another option is to book one of the picnic baskets for a quiet afternoon lolling on the lawns.
Wing Haven Bird Gardens include 22 aviaries for an assortment of parrots, parakeets, conures and other bird species. The majority of the birds kept here, however, are water birds. The camps for the water birds cover an area of over 4000 square meters and include ponds, streams, indigenous and exotic trees. Over 200 water birds including more than 50 species can be seen at your leisure. Guided hour-long tours of the breeding camps and facilities can be arranged at a nominal cost per person. 
Wing Haven is surely a photographer’s dream come true, and a special visiting spot for bird-watchers as well. Over 130 species of birds have been spotted along the river front and surrounding plots, including Fish Eagles, Spoonbills, Paradise Fly-Catchers and many more. 
Wing Haven Bird Gardens stretch along 200 meters of the Klein Jukskei river.
The river itself is clear for most of the year, becoming murky only after rains. Carp, Bream and Barbel fish are easily seen from the banks. Other river life includes the Nile Minotaur (water leguaan), river snakes and a wide variety of water birds.
Sheila Rothschild, owner and curator of Wing Haven Bird Gardens has been breeding water birds for over 13 years and has become recognised as a leading authority in this field.
Depending on the time of year, visitors can expect to see baby birds of all sorts, from conures to ostrich. Anywhere from 100 to 250 baby birds are born and raised each year at Wing Haven, many of which are released back into the wild.
Rehabilitation is supported by Nature Conservation, and numerous other organisations. The objective to release rehabilitated birds back into their natural environments, or to use non-releasable birds for captive breeding programs, where the young will be released if possible.
Situated just 10 minutes from Fourways in Randburg, Wing Haven Bird Gardens and The Cuckoo’s Nest is open 
Wednesdays to Sundays, 09h30 to 17h00, or other times by special arrangement (functions, club visits etc). For a copy of a map or to book a picnic basket, please call
Mark at Tel: (011) 460-1862
Email: cuckoos.nest@global-ids.com,
Fax : (011) 460-1308
Cell: 082-574-6688.

 

Another view on the main pond

 

Northern Pintails in a row

More on their Rehabilitation programs will follow soon.