Seaview Wildlife Encounter

Not really a walk, just a wander round Seaiew Wildlife Encounter with a camera. Bus 8 drops off at the end of Oakhill Rd; passing a picturesque Water Tower we come to one of island chainsaw artist Paul Sivell's Green Man carvings.

Seaview Wildlife Encounter was once known as Flamingo World and still is home to dozens of these flamboyant creatures, varying in colour from deep coral to palest pink.

One thing  l learned was that flamingoes don't actually stand on one leg at all;  what appears to be a knee bent backwards is in fact the ankle and heel, as its knee is much further up, hidden underneath its feathers. So the whole length from the ankle to the toes is actually a giant foot.  So half the flamingo’s legs are actually its feet, and it stands on tiptoes!

There are two Pink-backed Pelicans, which originate from Arabia, Madagascar and Africa.

Numerous ducks and geese follow you around hoping for a feed.

There were several peacocks, one of which permanently displayed his fine tail.

This was the first time I had seen a Laughing Kookaburra, surprisingly large and happy to chat to anyone who clucked at him.

Just about the only duck species I can recognise is this colourful Mandarin Duck.

I do like this shot of a flamingo hiding his head in his feathers. Apparently this is their sleep position so perhaps he is just about to doze off!

Two colourful parrots share a cage.

Just a handful of meerkats but still adorable.

The park is home to a mob of Bennett's Wallabies like this dozy albino. Visitors can go walkabout in their enclosure; they are very friendly and love to be stroked as this little one found out.

This is one a number of albinos in the park, though they are rare in the wild.

Members of the camel family, young alpacas like this one are called 'crias'.

Three otters scamper about an enclosure supplied with lake and otterhouse.

It was near feeding time and the otters huddled around the gate waiting for their food and miaowing....like this.

They were dry when I arrived but soon gave in to the temptation for a dip!

Penguins never fail to amuse and these Humboldt penguins were cute.

Enjoying the sun....

Off for a dip...clearly a group decision.