Avian Activity
- Julie Maxey-Allison | 10th Street
Birds of exotic feathers do indeed flock together at Free Flight, a comfortable sanctuary spa just for them right up the road off Jimmy Durante Blvd.
The feathered residents include 29 species: big brilliantly hued macaws, brainy African gray parrots along with many different sized and colored parrots identifiable by a hooked beak and four toes, two forward facing, two backward facing, cockatiels, smaller conures, plus one African Crown Crane, to name a few. All parrots are capable of mimicking sounds—including speech. The resulting surround sounds in the tropical feeling enclosure featuring a pond filled with koi fish is a fusion of cacophonous squawks, mellow trills and calls, snatches of songs and telephone ringtones and whistles, as well as words and phrases produced by very alert birds who like attention. Some birds stay in cages, some perch on branches. Though the birds do not fly freely due to their trimmed flight feathers they know how to get around and keep the staff busy monitoring any mischievous avian activity.
Established in 1981 as a boarding and breeding facility by Dr. Robert F. Stonebreaker specifically for flamingos (who have moved on), Free Flight has evolved into a 501 (c) 3 non-profit with the mission of caring for exotic birds in need of a home. Exotic birds are complex and many enjoy a life span of up to and over 100 years—though most live only into their 20s—and may outlive their owners or their owners’ ability to care for them.
At Free Flight exotic birds can be in a permanent flock, available for adoption or boarders for day care or as long as a year. At night the birds are taken to an indoor facility equipped with individual cages for safety that require daily cleaning and feeding. Fifteen or so dedicated volunteers work with staff member Diane Huff to help coordinate and manage their day to day care. In addition to welcoming volunteers, and being a resource for bird adoption, Free Flight produces events and on and off site programs. Reservations are required to visit 11 AM-3 PM. Admission ranges from $10-$15. Freeflightbirds.org, 2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd. 858-481-3148.