This post is courtesy of our contributor Krista…The National Aviary is a bird lover’s paradise and the largest in the USA housing more than 500 feathered friends with over 150 different species. From delicate Gouldian finches in the Grassland area to magnificent American bald eagles and rarely seen Andean Condors – they’re the size of a toddler! The National Aviary has three free flight mixed species exhibits that enable guests to experience these brilliant birds in a natural environment and observe the birds’ natural behaviors. The exhibits includes birds from all over the world (some endangered) and because they fly freely be prepared to spend time visiting all the different birds. Don’t forget your camera!
The National Aviary has daily scheduled events from feedings to interactive performances outside like Taking Flight: An Arial Adventure in the Rose Garden where gorgeous Macaws and other birds fly above the crowds, chirping, dancing and stealing money from guests! I recommend seeing the Wetlands Feeding where specialists educate on a variety of birds and show daily care routines leaving guests with a greater appreciation for the birds’ intelligence. The educator gave out worms to the guests and asked that we held them up high so the birds could swoop down and grab them out of our fingers!
The Canary Call exhibit is one of the National Aviary’s newest additions. It includes interactive picture displays that take you through the history of birds working with humans and other thought provoking images.
The Lorikeet Feeding exhibit is a must for all ages! For a small fee you can purchase nectar to feed the stunning colorful birds. It’s such a unique experience to be so close to these beautiful little creatures that may perch on your arms to feed!
Penguin Point is a waddle, flapping, torpedo diving good time with rocky cliffs and see-through tunnels poking through the exhibit so you can literally be nose to beak with these charming little guys in tuxedos. If you would like to get closer to the penguins, head outside where you can smell them (not so sweet) & possibly get splashed by these active little guys. My personal favorite was named Elvis!
The National Aviary was an incredible experience! Their adorable little distinctive faces, colorful feathers and uniqueness are well worth the visit. The passion that the employees showed for the animals was remarkable & very welcoming. Don’t forget to check out Wookie the National Aviary’s two-toed adorable sloth.
Want to know more about Pittsburgh? Check out the rest of my Pittsburgh trip here!
*Disclosure: This post & press trip was compensated by VisitPittsburgh.com. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Wow! Next trip to Pittsburg we’re going to the national aviary that’s for sure, seems to be amazing!!
The Aviary is a great opportunity to see birds from all over the world up close. Its amazing how different every bird is! Enjoy your visit.
Now this one I would like to see!
Bring your camera Myra! Don’t forget to check out Wookie.
haha! the kids would get a kick out of that penguin tunnel!
Wow great pictures and story!!! The Aviary looks like an incredible place to visit withe the kids!!
Thanks for showing us!!!
Thanks Shane, you will definitely score high points taking your little ones to the Aviary! The birds are beautiful, don’t forget to bring your camera.
The penguins are adorable! Its awesome to be able to get so close to the birds.
This looks amazing! It actually looks like relaxing activity for the family.
The Aviary is definitely a relaxing day out with the family, a lot of the exhibits are enclosed you don’t have worry about your little ones getting to far away.