Birds In Paradise

This inquisitive duo is a pair of Arabian bustards I met while visiting the National Avian Research Center in Abu Dhabi, UAE. They are part of a captive breeding program which hopes to increase their numbers in the wild. Found across the Sahel region of Africa and southwestern Arabia, these birds prefer to live alone or in very small family flocks. During the breeding season, females are responsible for incubating their eggs and raising their young, as well as protecting the nest from outside threats. If she senses danger, the female will engage in several diversionary behaviors to draw potential predators away from her chicks. #birds #bustard #Arabian #wildlife #PhotoArk #NationalWildlifeWeek

Happy Valentine’s Day from these cute and cuddly four-week-old black-necked swans at Sylvan Heights Bird Park. Known as cygnets, these little ones regularly get a helping hand from mom and dad, who carry their young on their backs while swimming, ensuring that they safely make the journey to and from feeding locations. Parents will also brood their young during cold and stormy weather, keeping them safe and warm.