The opening of Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park in 2006 emerged from the legacy of one man—Mike Lubbock, affectionately known to many as the Waterfowl Man.

The moniker is well deserved. Mike Lubbock is considered by many avian biologists to be the most intuitive and prolific waterfowl aviculturalist in the world. From his early work in England at the Wildfowl Trust to his permanent move to America, where he founded Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center in 1989, Mile Lubbock was single-minded in his mission to unlock the mysteries of breeding birds.

His landmark work resulted in 17 World First Breeding Awards, plus 15 awards for first breedings in North America—an unsurpassed accomplishment. Most importantly, his primary focus in breeding waterfowl is to assure the survival of those species that are disappearing in the wild, and those in peril even in managed collections around the world. Several prominent naturalists claim that without the dedicated efforts of Mike Lubbock and the staff at Sylvan Heights, a number of waterfowl species would already be extinct today.

The crowning achievement of Mike Lubbock’s career is presenting to the general public a magnificent park with large, natural walk-through aviaries for viewing over a thousand birds from six continents. Visitors to Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park can now share the avian heritage established by the Lubbock family and a host of dedicated volunteers.

Families flock to this place to encounter birds they previously could only imagine from books and documentaries. Wildlife photographers and bird enthusiasts love the unobstructed views to observe and photograph species of birds they would never see on a hundred bird walks or nature expeditions.

Children respond with delight and amazement as they come face to face with exotic birds and animals. Numerous school groups and Scout troops trek to Sylvan Heights for its eco-education programs. They learn from personal discovery the importance of preserving nature’s wetlands so waterfowl and other creatures will continue to have a home and survive.

A wealth of avian history enriches the experience of each visitor to Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park. It began with a man who as a young boy wanted to learn the secrets of birds. Now the legacy of the Waterfowl Man is revealed all who come to this avian paradise.