It's breeding season, and the birds at Flamingo Gardens are showing off. They're in full plumage with brilliant color. Most of them are in the free-flight aviary, in full view of visitors.

Already this year, about 80 birds were born in the aviary. Some have already been released into the wild, some are still with their parents, and some are in behind-the-scenes quarters where their contact with humans is minimized while they are being prepared for release.

Among the chicks that visitors can see right now: white ibis -- which is a threatened species -- and green heron.

Birds and animals are brought to Flamingo Gardens in Pembroke Pines because they've been injured. Some heal and are released back into the wild, but most are injured so severely that even after rehabilitation, they can't survive on the outside.

Flamingo Gardens has about 350 birds in permanent residency. They include a barred owl missing an eye, a bald eagle who lost a wing when he was hit by a truck, a red-shouldered hawk that was shot by a hunter.

Although injured, many of the birds can reproduce and are in breeding programs. Perhaps most important is the wood stork, an endangered species that has never successfully bred in captivity. Flamingo Gardens has 10 injured wood storks, said Laura Wyatt, curator of wildlife.

In addition to many kinds of birds, Flamingo Gardens has reptile, river otter, alligator, Florida panther and bobcat exhibits. There also are orchid and other horticultural exhibits.

Flamingo Gardens: 3750 S. Flamingo Rd., Davie; 954-473-2955; www.flamingogardens.org. Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. through Nov. 30, then open seven days a week until June 1. Admission: adults $17, children ages 4-11 $8.50, ages 3 and under free.

-- MARJIE LAMBERT

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