The Woodstock Wellness Aviary
by Lois Rooney-Guirin
I have been intending to write about interesting things to do in the Coldwater area, and this article is about one of those that I have just discovered. The following is a review of my morning at the Woodstock Wellness Aviary.
Some of the most beautiful, and definitely colourful, creatures are birds, and this variety and colour is on full display at Woodstock Aviary, on Dunns Line near Coldwater.
Our appointment was for 10 a.m. and we were greeted by Caesar, a friendly man who is passionate about birds.
He gave us a tour of the aviary, introducing us to the babies, who are being socialized by him so that they can be pets. Every day he pets them and gently shows them that humans care.
The aviary has about 150 or so birds total in the aviary, and it’s easy to believe. There are birds of all colours, sizes and varieties, from finches, to quail and cockatiels. There are budgies, condors and some birds that look like they were dreamed up by a cartoonist!
Through a “man-trap” door, you enter the main aviary – just a wooden structure with chicken wire walls. But, in that structure you are something new and interesting for the very curious birds, and they immediately land on you – in your hair, on your shoulders, pretty much anywhere they can. Most, if not all, are trained to “step up”. You place your finger under their belly and they will perch.
The breeding pairs are in a separate room with less noise. Each cage has a wooden box attachment to allow for privacy desired, and a place to lay their eggs. One of the sweetest pictures of parenthood was a couple facing out of their box, sharing the hole in so they can protect their young. They make fearsome noises as a warning!
There are a number of birds that are not in the main area as well. Some of these include Indian ring-neck parakeets, birds that are not socialized as pets, and endangered birds.
Caesar is a retired gentleman who devotes his time to the care of these beautiful creatures. Many are rescues, and some were in poor health when they arrived, with feathers missing and a fear of humans. He and his wife nurse them back to health and have had great success re-socializing these birds to know that they are safe.
After a bout of illness, he told his wife that he thought a bird might be something that could help him to heal. She agreed, and they got their first bird. She loved that bird as much as he did and they adopted more and finally ended up in their current location in November, 2024.
The aviary is a warm bright place with lots of joyful chirping and flutter of wings. It is a peaceful place where people can come and just sit, surrounded by the calming presence of these birds.
Woodstock is situated on 68 acres of land, with hiking trails and beautiful places to walk and move and breathe the air in peace. There are therapy birds that will join you on the hike, riding on your shoulders, flying into trees, and then returning to you as you continue your walk.
The Woodstock Wellness Aviary also offers classes in yoga and meditation among others.
To start, book your visit with them at woodstockwellnessaviary.com.
There is no charge for this but a donation to support the care of the birds is encouraged, and well worth it!