A Park Full of Parrots

If I were to guess, I would say the parrot is most represented species at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Now I will admit I haven't done the research on this, but between those at the Oasis and Tree of Life trails, Flights of Wonder and now Winged Encounters, it just feels like you can find a gorgeous and colorful parrot around every corner.

This blue-and-yellow macaw can be found on the often overlooked Tree of Life trails. Just keeping walking and you will find them, and usually someone trying in vain to see if they talk.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

An Owl Named Bayo

Personally, I think Flights of Wonder has one of the best pre-shows in all of Walt Disney World. For one thing, it is almost never the same twice in one day. They have a variety of birds the handlers will bring out, including this majestic Great-Horned Owl.

So the best advice I can give to guests is to get to Flights of Wonder about 15 minutes early. If you do, you may be able to meet Bayo, or one of this friends. You can get with a few feet of them and take some amazing photos.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

From the Forests of Tibet

Parrots are some of the most incredibly beautiful creatures on earth. And many people simply don't realize how many unique species there are in the world. This Derbyan parakeet, pictured here during the Flights of Wonder show, can only be found in Arunachal Pradesh, in the northwest corner of India, and parts of Tibet.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Common Can Mean Beautiful

Not every animal at Disney's Animal Kingdom is endangered or from some exotic local. Some of them, like this beautiful common barn owl, are not under an existential threat. In fact, this type of owl is so incredibly widespread there are only a few parts of the earth where you won't find them.

But perhaps the secret to the barn owl's success is its ability to be so common yet still largely unseen by humans. So to get the chance to see this bird during the Flights of Wonder show is still a great thrill for those of us in the theater.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Crane for a View

African Crowned Cranes are popular at Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are a lot of spots where you can find these guys: Kidani Village, during Flights of Wonder, at queue for Kilimanjaro Safari, and at the Tree of Life. This photo was taken at the Tree. If you are lucky, you may get a chance these birds do their dance which includes exaggerate bowing and jumping.

This beautiful bird is the national bird of Uganda, and is featured on its flag and in its coat of arms.

by Safari Mike (@JamboEveryone)

Always Alert!

You can always find something to be amazed by at Flight of Wonder, and this Harris Hawk is no exception. As part of the pre-show, guests were able to get up close with this gorgeous bird of prey. Did you know Harris Hawks hunt in teams?

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

One Toucan Can

It never ceases to amaze me how many people tell me they go to Disney's Animal Kingdom but didn't see the Flights of Wonder show.  Please folks, it is an incredibly entertaining and learning experience.  Take this gorgeous toucan for example.  Where leas are you going to see one of these?  And this is just the pre show!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Getting Ready for a New Day

The West African Crowned Crane is one of the most impressive birds found among Disney's family of wildlife.  They are big and elegant and can be found at both the Flights of Wonder and along the savannas at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.  I took this photo early in the morning at Kidani Village, as these two cranes were getting ready for a new day.

If you would like to learn a little bit more about this species, head on over to the Safari Mike blog where he did a post on the West Africa Crowned Crane earlier in the year.

photo by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Because I'm Happy!

Flights of Wonder may top the list of the "under-appreciated attractions" at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  And one of those reasons for that is most people tend to ignore it, and end up missing seeing some incredible birds like this majestic Hyacinth macaw, who always seems to be happy and smiling for the cameras.

Hyacinth macaws are the biggest of the flying parrots.  (Yes, there are flightless parrots.)  Unfortunately, photographs tend not to properly portray the size but this bird was probably almost 3 feet from tail to beak.  Notice a handler isn't trying to hold him.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

You Sure Look Tasty

The Flights of Wonder show over in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom has many great aspects to it.  Not the least of which is the chance to get up close and personal with some fascinating and beautiful birds from around the world.  For people who enjoy photography, it is truly a dream location.  You can get some seriously great up close photos.  Like this one I took a few years back of a Spectacled Owl.

These Owls are found from Mexico into South American, and are nocturnal bird of prey, feeding mostly on rodents and such.  The expression on this owl's face is a complex one, and even a bit disturbing.  It looks slightly annoyed for sure, but it also looks a bit like it is picturing me as a field mouse...

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)