Farmington High School opens on-campus aviary

FARMINGTON, Utah — Farmington High School introduced an on-campus aviary to the public during a grand opening Friday morning. School officials say they are not aware of another aviary on a high school campus around the country.

3 exhibits for on-campus aviary

As part of the school’s s ornithology program, the aviary will feature three exhibits – Australia, South America and Africa. 

A red and green macaw will be featured in the South America exhibit. The Africa section will be comprised of Fischer lovebirds. The Australia exhibit will be made of Grasskeets and Eastern rosella birds.

The plan for a school aviary began almost a year ago when Farmington High School faculty member Adam Blundell was looking for a home for birds that were part of the ornithology program.

“We like to have animals in the classroom because it gives us the best teaching opportunity for students
to see them up close and personal,” said Blundell in a press release, who teaches zoology and ornithology classes at Farmington High. “We want students to really get involved in nature, be outside of class, away from their electronics … and be learning about cool habitats, animals and wildlife.”

Students learn about providing for birds

In the ornithology program, students learn how to provide care for the birds. Additionally, the students also learn how to follow proper guidelines for maintaining an aviary. School officials say the birds selected for the aviary have care needs that fit with holidays and student schedules.

School officials also say there were other factors involved in the selection process. Some of the birds selected were raised in captivity and therefore can not hunt in the wild. Other birds were previously injured and can not fly.

“None of these birds could survive in the wild because they are primarily from a rescue situation where
they weren’t properly cared for … and we give them an amazing facility with live plants, fresh food and good
light,” said Blundell in the press release. 

School officials say the birds are watched every day. They are provided with clean water and fresh food every day.

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