Bentley Wildfowl Reserve

Some of the first birds to arrive at the man mate sanctuary were Mandarins and Carolinas, Emperor Geese and a pair of Black-necked Swans. There are altogether 147 species of wildfowl in the world, and today around 125 of them can be seen at Bentley. Wildfowl are usually found near water although Geese also need grazing land. The water provides much of the food they need and their long necks help them reach the shellfish and vegetation that are found deep down.

Recent additions to the collection include the spectacular flamingos and cranes that, although not strictly wildfowl, are closely affiliated. Breeding birds in captivity can be difficult, especially with so many different kinds of wildfowl coming from such diverse environments throughout the world. However, under the care of the resident bird keepers, breeding has been achieved at Bentley.

Bentley's aim is to continually improve its collection of birds. Age and predators could deplete the magnificent collection, but this is counteracted by buying in new birds when old ones die and by breeding. Surplus stock gained from breeding can also be exchanged with other collections. The sanctuary is open to the poublic and is ideal for bird watching enthusiasts.