Planning for spring!

Hello! My name is Josh and I’m a Senior Keeper on the Bird Team here at Zoo Atlanta. I’m writing this blog the week after Zoo Atlanta had to close several days due to severe winter weather, just days after a groundhog in Pennsylvania saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter. In other words, Zoo Atlanta is tired of winter and just wants something warm and sunny to look forward to. So I am bringing you a sign of hope. A sign of spring dawning! The Bird Team has had their annual spring planning meeting!

During the winter months here at Zoo Atlanta, our bird habitats can look a little empty. While we do what we can to make winter comfortable for our birds by hanging up heat lamps and installing heaters, we do have some birds that are just not cut out for winter. We have some behind-the-scenes spaces that allow us to keep indoor temperature in the 60s and allow us to easily manage outdoor access on warmer days. These spaces are useful, but we spend all winter just waiting to move these species into our bigger, public spaces for everyone to enjoy. Our Living Treehouse aviary has one of the most drastic changes between seasons. This winter we had about 25 birds representing five species in this space. In the spring, we will have 10 species represented. Nothing says spring like stopping by The Living Treehouse to see over 40 birds enjoying the warming weather. I know that I look forward to the sounds and activity filling this aviary, as well as all the aviaries here at Zoo Atlanta. 

Springtime isn’t just the end of winter. It is also the start of breeding season for most of the bird species here at Zoo Atlanta. Watching the birds gather materials, build nests, lay eggs, and raise chicks is one of the most rewarding parts of our jobs as Bird Keepers. While the warm weather is something to look forward to, we can also look forward to the new birds that will be joining us this breeding season.  It may not feel like it outside as I’m writing this, but I can assure you that spring is just around the corner and with it the most exciting time for birds! 

Josh M.
Senior Keeper, Birds