San Diego Zoo Owens Aviary Lower Level Waterfall

12 minutes of contemplation @ the San Diego Zoo The Owens Aviary offers bird lovers an up-close look at about 200 feathered friends representing 45 species and is one of the world's largest walk-through avian encounters. The free-flight aviary simulates the sights and sounds of a real Southeast Asian jungle environment. It focuses on exotic species from Southeast Asia and Australia, including flowers, ferns, and foliage indigenous to that region. You can enjoy a gentle trek along an elevated, winding pathway that begins at treetop level and immerses you in the forest canopy amid scores of brilliantly colored tropical birds. A waterfall cascades into a pond where exotic fish glide through the water. Thick glass panels form one side of the pond, making it easy for you to marvel at these colorful swimmers. Another waterfall sends water coursing down a rocky route the length of the aviary, splashing into a pool at the lower end of the aviary, where you may see comb-crested jacanas strolling across the floating lily pads. As the walkway descends through mature greenery, lush waterfalls, and beaches, you may encounter a rare woodpecker chiseling through the bark of a tree or the courtship ritual of the Argus pheasant at the forest-floor level. Several feeding trays are located close to the walkway railing, providing great spots to see and photograph the birds. View a startling variety of birds going about their business at various levels of the forest canopy as you take your leisurely stroll—you'll be surrounded by some fascinating company!