🌍 Animal Awareness Day

National Bird Day

Celebrated on Tuesday, January 5, 2027

We're celebrating National Bird Day at 3 Palms Zoo & Education Center in Townsend, Delaware — and these are the rescues in the spotlight. Come meet them in person and learn why they matter.

About National Bird Day

National Bird Day is a day for learning about — and appreciating — the animals behind it. Here at 3 Palms, the spotlight falls on Eastern Screech Owl, Canada Geese, Muscovy Ducks, Domestic Ducks and 5 more, rescues who call the zoo home. It is a chance to hear their stories and see the everyday care that rescue takes.

Eastern Screech Owl

Master of Disguise: They occur in two distinct color morphs—rufous (red) and gray—which allows them to blend seamlessly against different types of tree bark. Not a Hoot: Unlike…

Meet Eastern Screech Owl →

Canada Geese

The “V” Formation: Flying in a V-shape reduces wind resistance, allowing them to travel up to 1,500 miles in a single day. Molting: During summer, they molt their…

Meet Canada Geese →

Muscovy Ducks

Face Warts: They are easily identified by the red, fleshy caruncles (warts) around their eyes and beak. Tree Dwellers: Unlike most ducks, they have sharp claws on their…

Meet Muscovy Ducks →

Domestic Ducks

Waterproof: They possess a uropygial gland (preen gland) near their tail that produces oil to waterproof their feathers. Flightless: Many domestic breeds have been bred to be too…

Meet Domestic Ducks →

Emu

Speed Demons: Emus are the second-largest bird in the world and can sprint at speeds up to 30 mph. Dual Eyelids: They possess a second, translucent eyelid that…

Meet Emu →

Domestic Turkeys

Snood: The fleshy appendage that hangs over their beak is called a snood; it can change color with the bird’s mood. Ben Franklin: Franklin criticized the Bald Eagle…

Meet Domestic Turkeys →

Peafowl

The Train: The male’s tail feathers (train) can reach 6 feet long and are shed annually after mating season. Screams: They are known for their piercing, high-pitched calls…

Meet Peafowl →

Chickens

Living Dinosaurs: Modern birds, including chickens, are living avian dinosaurs that share common evolutionary theropod ancestry with prehistoric giants like the T-Rex. Pecking Order: They have a complex…

Meet Chickens →

Black Vulture

Sight Hunters: Unlike Turkey Vultures which hunt by smell, Black Vultures hunt almost exclusively by sight. Urohidrosis: They defecate on their own legs to cool off through evaporation…

Meet Black Vulture →

Plan Your Visit

Admission is just $6.00 and directly supports the daily care of every rescue here.

Fall Hours | Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (weather permitting)

Hours, directions & tickets →