Waddesdon Manor set to host bird festival this summer

With a variety of bird-themed exhibitions, interactive installations, and outdoor activities, the festival near Aylesbury aims to offer something for everyone.

The recently renovated aviary houses a number of exotic and endangered species.

There will also be colourful songbirds like the rare Socorro Dove or the multi-coloured Painted Bunting.

Waddesdon Manor (Image: National Trust/Waddesdon Manor)

The Indian Hill Mynahs, known for mimicking human sounds, will also feature.

There will also be an art installation, Tell it to the Birds, by contemporary artist Jenny Kendler.

This installation allows visitors to translate their whispers into bird and calls.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to sponsor a bird at the aviary.

Sponsorship will directly contribute to the conservation of the Rothschild mynah, a bird once at risk of extinction.

A Rothschild mynah (Image: National Trust/Waddesdon Manor)

Now, aided by the Waddesdon Aviary’s breeding programme, these birds have been reintroduced to their native Bali.

From May 25 to May 27, the Berkshire Birds of Prey will be offering children free entry to meet bird species like Bella the Barn Owl and buddy the Hawk.

The event will take place this summer (Image: Berkshire Birds of Prey)

Two 3D bedding bird sculptures will be showing off their fancy plumage during the summer months, and on the Parterre, a carpet bed will translate a drawing of two orioles into a living mosaic made up of more than 25,000 plants.

The Flights of Fancy exhibition will showcase the artistry of Louis-Denis Armand, widely known as the preeminent bird-painter of 18th-century France.