A Little Corner of Paradise

In the interests of getting some new scenery, out of town, Jennifer and I took in a visit to the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, about 90 minutes' drive west of Cary. For me, the exhibit is the Reynolds Aviary, a domed recreation of a tropical rainforest wherein reside over thirty species that I am certain will never be found in the Piedmont in any other way. The easiest to spot was the Scarlet Ibis (pictured), but we found the Mandarin Ducks, Bali Mynahs, Sunbitterns, Emerald Starlings, and Rainbow Lory. The Victorian Crowned Pigeon we found in our last visit was more elusive. Unfortunately the place was packed to the gills with (mostly) unappreciative rednecks and I was hard pressed to take in all of the sensory delights of this little corner of paradise. Maybe next time. We'll try coming in winter!