'Recalculating….recalculating', repeated the GPS device. Evidently we were not obeying the instructions of the monochromatic voice emanating from the centre console. We switched off the noise maker and navigated the rest of the way using radar. You know how it goes: five occupants in a vehicle, each with a built in 'Ry Daar' (drive there) pointing finger.
The collaborative tracking effort paid off and we arrived shortly before lunch at Birds of Eden near Plettenberg Bay. Home to approximately 2,000 indigenous and exotic birds, this establishment is the largest free-flight aviary in the world. Birds live in a simulated natural environment under a structured canopy of specialised wire mesh weighing over 80 tonnes and consisting of enough wire measuring one seventh of the earth’s circumference. It took four years to complete the bird sanctuary using unskilled labour from neighbouring communities.
Prior to entering the avian domain we were required to wipe our shoes on the disinfectant mat to kill any viruses or germs that might be harmful to the birds. We then received a pretty, paper gift packet for our protection….remove your bling or feel the sting. Apparently some of the birds are fond of all things shiny and will attempt to remove your jewellery by any means possible. Sounds like fowl play to me.
After removing earrings and necklaces we made our way through the double doors and followed the network of wooden walkways specifically designed to lead one through forests, over streams and between nesting spots. Benches are strategically placed along the way so that one can stop and relax while observing the birds up close. Because the enclosure is designed with a bowl shaped base, this allows for the vegetation to grow naturally and trees to comfortably reach maturity.
Walking between the tall leafy trees, pencilled tightly together and feeling the sun, made soft by the shady foliage, ignited a sentient symphony of enchantment. With a bird’s eye view of things, we were able to see a pair of speckled pigeons showing off their courtship dance in between montages of greenery; a tawny clutch of chicks, all too familiar with the pecking order, scuttling closely behind mother hen and a golden pheasant, in fine feather, preening his regal apparel.
The Knysna Loerie, known to be as scarce as hen’s teeth in their natural habitat, were much easier to spot here too. And the names of trees, like Forest Grape, Wild Peach and Red Current, sounded delicious enough to eat.
Just the thought of food prompted a unanimous decision to head straight for the restaurant, strategically positioned overlooking a wetland. En route we encountered a very friendly Spotted Dikkop waddling in the pathway. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to say goodbye I became convinced we had a stalker on our hands.
It wasn’t until later I read the following interesting fact in the Identification Guide, 'At Birds of Eden there is a famous Dikkop named Douglas. Douglas was hand-reared and is therefore imprinted. More often than not, you will see Douglas following you on the footpaths instead of hiding under the bushes with his own kind'. Mmm…and I thought birds of a feather flocked together.
We spent a leisurely break having lunch, sipping on cappuccinos, comparing photos and chatting about what we had learned so far. Did you know that a humming bird’s heart beats 1,260 times per minute; or that robins feed their chicks up to 100 times per day; or that the strike of an eagle talon is so powerful that its force is twice that of a rifle bullet?
How well do you remember your collective nouns from school days? Here are a couple of amusing ones:
• A murder of crows
• A parcel of penguins
• A pandemonium of parrots
• An exaltation of larks
• A parliament of rooks
So with my general knowledge of birds having been greatly increased I can now confidently say I’m more of a bird brain than ever before.
Information
Birds of Eden
Opening times: 8am – 5pm daily
Cost: R125 per adult
Information Guide: R20 per booklet
[email protected]
GPS coordinates: S 33º 57’ 52.1” E 023º 29’ 00.2”
Elevation: 218m above sea level
Tips and Advice:
• The Information Guide is well worth buying. It’s not only fun to tick off the blocks against the birds that you have spotted, it’s also full of useful information, facts and trivia.
• While there are plenty of shady spots it’s advisable to wear a hat and sun protection
• Don’t forget your cameras and binoculars
• This is a great place to take kids of all ages. Use the Information Guide to learn while having fun.
