Photo courtesy Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Uncle Sandy's Macaw Bird Park in Pensacola, FL is an avian adventure for the whole family!

Photo by Emily Farrington Smith

Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park

Pretty bird say, "What?"

by Emily Farrington Smith | October 08, 2011

Thursday afternoon we found ourselves on the extreme north side of Pensacola with time to spare and a rowdy two-year old. Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park came to the rescue with flying colors… PUN!

Upon retirement, “Uncle Sandy” Kirkconnell, who was raised off the coast of Honduras where Macaws fly free, decided to build a large free-flight run where his pet Macaws could enjoy some relatively open skies. As the word spread, Sandy began allowing others to enjoy these beautiful creatures.

Now, almost 15 years later, Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park is home to over 40 Macaws and more than 20 other parrot species. Pheasants, pigeons, turkeys, emus, and one stinkin’ big tortoise also call the park home—and they’re allowed to roam free. Additionally, Sandy takes in birds whose owners can no longer care for them.

Through donations and non-profit admission, Uncle Sandy houses, feeds, and medicates these majestic animals. The park is staffed primarily by volunteers and, of course, Uncle Sandy.

A $5 per person admittance gets you access to the park, a cup of peanuts, and time in the free flight cages. In this area, upwards of 20 Macaws treat you like their very own diner. They land on your shoulder, lap, head and ask ever so politely for a peanut from your cup. When you’re finished, you simply show them that your cup is empty and they move on.

Surprisingly, my 2-year old LOVED this part (I was worried he’d be scared), but the birds are so gentle. I can’t wait to go back … and neither can Ben!

Bring bug spray and a sense of adventure, and I would also recommend printing out online directions as the I-10/Palafox/Old Palafox interchange can be a bit confusing. The park is open Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday & Wednesday) from 9:30am-12:30pm, they close for lunch, then open back up again from 2:30pm until 5:00pm. Call for additional info!

Uncle Sandy’s Macaw Bird Park
9513 N. Palafox St.
Pensacola, FL
(850) 478-6421