Staff at Bourton-on-the-Water's Birdland are paying tribute to some of the best of Bird Dads for a weekend celebration as part of Father's Day this 20 – 21 June. 

This time of year is a busy period for the bird-keeping team as the residents will have lots of eggs and chicks underfoot, or in the Hatchery, who are eagerly monitored by the team.

This exciting weekend of activities incorporates a talks programme which highlights some of Birdland's hard-working birds, so you can hear more about how birdlife looks after its young. And it isn't always as you would expect!

Birdland's Head-Keeper, Alistair explained: “In some cases it is the males that actually do most of the hard work when it comes to looking after the babies, the Rhea, Cassowary and Emu fathers have females laying eggs into their nest.  They will then incubate for 40 or so days and be responsible for protecting the chicks. 

He continues: “The King Penguin parents share incubation of their single egg – taking it in turns to keep the egg warm on top of their feet, whilst many male birds incubate eggs during the day, when the chicks need lots of food and predators may be about.”

Did you know?

Emperor Penguin males incubate their single egg by themselves for up to 75 days during the Antarctic winter, with no food and in the coldest place on Earth!

Male Namaqua Sandgrouse, who live in the desert, can carry up to 40ml of water in their chest feathers, they then fly to the nest and give the youngsters a drink.

Catch the Bird Dads in action over Father's Day weekend and see which Dads are working the hardest.

www.birdland.co.uk

ENDS

For more information and images please contact:

Alistair Keen | Head Keeper | 07772 971287 or 01451 820480

Simon Blackwell | Manager | 01451 820480 or 07850 929 828

Editors Notes:

• Birdland is situated in the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.
• Established in 1957, Birdland was one of the first bird encounters to open in the UK.
• The Park and Gardens cover a 9.5-acre site situated around the River Windrush.
• 7 acres are dedicated to the Bird Gardens featuring over 500 exotic and rare birds, 140 species in 50 aviaries including everything from flamingos, pelicans, owls to hornbills, touracos and cassowary.  Temperate and Desert Houses are home to delicate species.  Birdland has the only breeding group of King Penguins in the country.  Spike the King Penguin, who was hand-reared, is a popular resident with his own Facebook and Twitter following.
• There are a number of rare species at Birdland and the team are actively involved with global breeding programmes.
• The 2.5-acre Marshmouth Nature Reserve is a secluded trail where many indigenous species from kingfishers to otters are regularly spotted.
• Birdland is open daily from 10am, closed Christmas Day only.
• Find us at: Birdland, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucester, GL54 2BN
• Admission:  Adult £9.95 Child £6.95 Senior/Student £8.95 Family £31.00 (2+2)

For more information visit: www.birdland.co.uk

Birdland Park & Gardens, Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos, GL54 2BN

Tel: 01451 820480   Email: info@birdland.co.uk   www.birdland.co.uk