National Aviary offering in-person, virtual programming
Travel may not be an option right now because of the coronavirus, but visiting the National Aviary can make you feel like you’re on a tropical retreat, said Jennifer Torpie, the aviary’s curator of education and public programs.
The aviary’s in-person and virtual programming allows visitors to see unusual bird species in immersive habitats.
“Connecting with nature is one way that we can find comfort during difficult times,” Torpie said. “At a time when many people are feeling isolated, virtual programming can offer a connection to others.
“Some of our guests’ favorite experiences are Amazing Amazon, presented by AAA Travel, an immersive bird show where beautiful birds fly right above you; and Penguin Feedings — and you might even catch a glimpse of the new African Penguin family,” Corpie said.
Daily programming at the facility in Pittsburgh’s North Side, available with general admission, includes:
Penguin Feeding, 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Penguin Point
The African Penguin colony gathers to be hand-fed fish. Learn about this endangered species and learn what steps you can take at home to help penguin species around the world.
Amazing Amazon presented by AAA Travel, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. through May 2
Meet colorful parrots, powerful vultures and playful toucans and other rain forest species. The birds fly, hop and walk right by visitors. The programs take place in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZoneTM theater where groupings of chairs are physically distanced.
Flamingo Island Adventure, noon
Meet vibrant and vocal American Flamingos and other species in the aviary’s Wetlands, a warm, lush habitat with colorful birds flying freely and singing. An aviary expert ventures into the habitat’s pond to introduce the flock during the daily feeding, highlighting adaptations like specialized beaks for filtering food.
Tropical Rainforest Feeding, 1 p.m. daily
During this expert-led talk and feeding, species fly in to land in front of the waterfall. The habitat, full of dense greenery and tall trees, is home to almost 100 birds.
Hang with the Bats, 3:30 p.m.
Meet a colony of Malayan Flying Foxes, a megabat species with a wingspan of nearly 5 feet, in Canary’s Call, while a National Aviary expert discusses their unique adaptations and the important roles bats play in ecosystems around the world.
These special events also are on the calendar, all with advanced safety protocols:
Brunch in the Garden, Sundays beginning Feb. 14
Sip a mimosa and savor offerings during the prix fixe brunch from Atria’s Specialty Catering in The Garden Room, the Aviary’s new event space offering views of the surrounding garden and park. Capacity limits allow ample space between groups.
Multiple seatings are available; reservations are required. Fee is $55, or $35 for children 12 and under; aviary admission is included.
Flamingo Fest, Feb. 27 and 28
The aviary’s annual celebration of all things flamingo returns with activities including story time, crafts from pre-packaged kits at physically distanced tables and a Flamingo Island Adventure feeding talk.
Eggstravaganza, March 27-28 and April 2-3
Activities include an egg-themed scavenger hunt through the Aviary’s immersive habitats, with enhanced safety protocol, and a special story time with a chance to meet a beautiful bird.
Earth Day Celebration, April 24
Connect with nature in expansive habitats and learn how be a good steward of our planet. Watch story time with a special bird visitor and win a prize for completing a “green”-themed scavenger hunt.
Upcoming virtual programs include:
• Aviary Behind the Scenes, Jan. 26
• Aviary After School for Families, Thursdays from Jan. 28 to April 15
• Teen Conservation Leadership Program, presented via Zoom, Feb. 6, March 6, April 10 and May 15
• Trivia With Wigle Whiskey, for participants 21 and older: Love Birds, Feb. 13; and Bird Nerds, March 2
• Speaker Series, presented via Zoom, Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 and May 6
• Brushes & Birds Virtual Art Classes, with artist Maria DeSimone Prascak, Jan. 16, Feb. 8 and 20, March 20, April 17 and May 22
• Birding, with ornithologist Bob Mulvihill, Wednesdays in March and April.
Mulvihill also will lead these off-site birding expeditions: March 28 at Lake Arthur, April 10 at Pymatuning State Park and May 8 at Presque Isle State Park.
Bird-watching kayak tours with L.L. Bean guides and aviary experts are planned for April 18 and May 23 at North Park Lake.
The National Aviary follows guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Allegheny County Health Department. Enhanced safety protocols include a timed ticketing system to keep capacity low and allow ample space for physical distancing, face mask requirement, hand sanitization stations throughout the building and frequent disinfection of surfaces throughout the day.
More information on the programs, including fees and registration, is available at aviary.org.
Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.