Isfahan Birds Garden, a paradise in heart of city
If you are one of those people who are just fond of the bird watching tour and listening to birds, Isfahan Birds Garden is a must-see place for you! The place looks like a paradise in the heart of the city that is called, in Iran, “half-of-the-world” due to its never-ending amazements.
More than 5,000 birds from 130 different species are kept in this garden, which is close to the city center. As you walk amongst the tall trees and the enchanting greenery of the garden, you are taken away by songs the birds chant. You will never forget the peace and tranquility that flows through the atmosphere of Isfahan Birds Garden. If you want to go on an unforgettable bird-watching tour, here is what you may find useful about Isfahan Birds Garden, goirantours.com wrote.
Isfahan Birds Garden was established almost two decades ago and is amongst the largest birds gardens of Iran. The vast garden extends for more than 17,000 square meters and is enclosed by a chainlink fence and roofed with a vast net so that the birds will be able to freely fly inside the paradisiacal garden. It might make you sad at first, but not all the spots are like this. For example, zones allocated to ducks and other such birds that are not able to fly are not covered with a roof.
The birds garden is located inside Nazhvan Forest Park. The park is one of the impressive forest parks in Iran, and it is also close to other attractions. You will have access to Isfahan Aquarium and Reptile Garden among other attractions that are a few minutes away from you. You can also enjoy the lovely and peaceful bank of the Zayandehrud River. If you follow the riverside to the east, you will see Si-o-se Pol and Khaju Bridge as well, but you need to take your time with them and visit them at a different time, because, as popular tourist attractions, they need to be explored thoroughly and enjoyed completely when you have enough time.
Birds of prey
In the Isfahan Birds Garden, you will find over 5,000 birds collected from Iran and other countries such as Australia, Indonesia, China, and Tanzania. Birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, and some of the owls live inside their cages and are not allowed to fly outside them, simply because the other birds’ safety would be at stake.
Black vulture, a bird of prey
Of the huge birds of prey, one of the most interesting ones is the black vulture. The vulture’s head and neck are bluishgray, and the overall appearance reminds you of old western movies. To us, people who are used to living in big cities, such a bird that makes its house in mountains and remote deserts and feeds upon the corpses of other animals, is an exotically amazing creature.
Flamingos, social birds
Amongst the water birds, you’ll see flamingos. Flamingos are very social birds. They live in groups, which makes them able to defend themselves against other preying animals. In addition, they seem to perform meaningful rituals at certain times, and they nest their territories to be able to defend their eggs. Their population grows fast.
Budgerigars
Budgerigars (also called budgies) are another fascinating birds. They are amongst the most popular pets in the world (third only to dogs and cats). The budgies are mainly Australian, but also found in many other parts of the world. Isfahan Birds Garden keeps budgies from different countries.
Partridges, from Greek mythology to Iranian culture
Partridges, amongst the widely distributed nonmigratory birds of the world, are another must-see. They hold a very special place in the collective memory of the world, being present in the oldest pieces of literature and paintings. Apparently, they appeared in Greek mythology first, then move on to occupy symbolic roles in a range of culturally significant artworks around the world. More specifically, they are very important to Iranian culture. They have been very popular for hunting throughout history. In Farsi, there is a famous proverb saying “bury someone’s head under the snow as the partridge does”, which applies to situations where a person avoids taking responsibility by pretending not to be aware of what is going on around him/her.
Different birds and different facilities
There are many facilities for different kinds of birds in Isfahan Birds Garden so that the authorities make sure they are kept safe and also enjoy life. An enchanting pond is made for the aquatic birds like ducks, flamingos, and pelicans. Glass cages are made and equipped with special features such as greenhouses for birds like parrots and budgerigars that are not physiologically able to live through the freezing winters of Isfahan and the urban climate of the city. These cages are equipped with ventilation facilities specifically designed for these birds. Metal cages are made to keep birds of prey at bay. Cliffs are to be found in every nook and cranny for birds native to mountainous, rocky, or desert-like zones. These birds include partridges and quails. Lush greenery for the forest birds like peacocks and pheasants is another eye-catching feature of the garden.
What is the best time and season to visit Isfahan Birds Garden?
The best time to visit the birds garden is in the morning. Spring and summer are the greatest seasons to drop by and have a tour around the garden. You can enjoy the fresh weather of spring along with all the beautiful birds joyfully singing in this season.
Where to visit near Isfahan Birds Garden?
You can visit the aquarium which is next to the garden. Like the birds garden, there are all kinds of sea creatures in here. In the Isfahan Aquarium, you will find more than 6,500 sea creatures. It is also the first and the best aquarium tunnel in Iran. In this world, you can see the sea creatures and watch their movements and mysterious lives. Also, you can visit Atashgah or the Fire Temple which is a an archeological complex dating back to Sassanid Era.
Atashgah is located on the top of a hill about eight kilometers west of city center of Isfahan and near the birds garden. Furthermore, the Monar Jonban (Shaking Minarets) which is near Nazhvan Park is highly recommended. Monar Jonban is famous because of its unique architecture.
All in all, you can have a day spent in
Isfahan Birds Garden and stick it in your memory for a long, long time. You can enjoy bird-watching, have a memorable tour around Nazhvan Park, eat in a great restaurant, and, if you want, visit the aquarium to wonder at the creatures of the sea.