Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park

Tucked away in the tiny North Carolina town of Scottland Neck is a paradise. It is the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park. You don't even have to be a bird lover to enjoy this little getaway from everyday life. The park houses the world's largest waterfowl collection and includes over 1000 birds of 170 species. In addition to the waterfowl, there are pheasants, parrots, peacocks and other rare birds. Most of the park is a walk-through aviary with ponds and fountains and plants. The landscaping in many parts of the park is as beautiful as the feathered residents. There are plenty of places to just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds around you. The best part of the visit is the fact that you can actually interact with the birds. Upon purchasing your ticket (which I might add is very reasonably priced) you can purchase food for the birds at only 50 cents a bag. Most of the birds were very eager to be hand fed and some even followed us down the path for more. The visitor's center is a nice building with a long front porch hung with ferns and stocked with comfortable rocking chairs. Inside is a gift shop with many bird-related items such as books, clothing, toys and figurines. There is also a theater with a movie depicting the history of the park. This is a place I will be sure to revisit over and over......good thing you can buy a membership!!