At the National Aviary this summer, ‘Colors in Flight’ makes for delight
This summer, the National Aviary spotlights the intersection of nature and art with “Colors in Flight.”
The new seasonal theme is devoted to showing how birds “paint the sky” with their vibrant plumage and shaded hues worldwide. With a host of new daily activities and interactive experiences, “Colors in Flight” brings a new dimension to the stunning habitats of the Aviary.
“Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you always have that excitement built around color,” says Megan Hinds, director of marketing and communications at the National Aviary, located in Pittsburgh’s North Side.
For example, at 2 p.m. every day in Condor Court, guests can attend the “Colorful Kings Talk,” a program about brightly colored King Vultures. “They’re actually the most colorful vulture species there is,” says Hinds. “Everyone expects vultures to look a certain way. They have so much more color and so much more dimension to them.”
There will also be daily opportunities to watch feedings of colorful birds in a number of habitats. For example, the majestic blues of the Victoria Crowned Pigeon will be on display with the Tropical Rainforest Feeding every day at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. And if the vibrant pink of flamingos is a draw, check out the Wetlands Feeding at noon and 2:30 p.m.
Hinds notes that one of the most intriguing aspects about concentrating on color is learning why birds have their particular plumage. Birds’ feathers can be different colors for the purpose of camouflage, finding and attracting food, and even mating rituals.
A feather-themed scavenger hunt, for young and old, has been set up within the Aviary. “We always do fun bird facts, so we thought we’d switch it up to riddles,” Hinds says. Participants can look for signs with certain feather colors and riddles to solve and find the next sign. It’s an interactive way to enjoy the colors throughout the Aviary.
One of this summer’s most exciting add-on experiences is the live rooftop theater show called “SkyDeck,” presented by Pittsburgh International Airport. Guests will see Lanner Falcons, Black Kites and Hooded Vultures take flight from the Aviary’s roof, their gray, black, white, and brown colors set against the blue sky. The birds swoop, dive and soar around Allegheny Commons Park twice daily throughout the summer season.
Other bright opportunities include Rainbow Lorikeet Feedings. Guests who add this experience on will get to hold up a cup of sweet nectar while the multi-hued birds land on their arms. It’s a picture-perfect photo opportunity.
There’s also “Habitat Heroes,” presented by AAA Travel, which stars several birds, including a Gray Crowned Crane, a Bald Eagle and an Eurasian Eagle-Owl, all of which display their amazing adaptations. “It’s really fun and immersive,” Hinds says.
Interactive play spaces let kids learn and play at the same time. With a puppet theater, a Book Nook, giant magnetic tiles, a sensory sorting table and more, any kid will be engaged by the offerings. “They’re a perfect colorful complement,” Hinds says.
The Aviary’s new juvenile penguins, recently named Dave and Rita Mae, have moved into the Penguin Point habitat, much to the delight of guests. These younger birds are distinctive because of their gray plumage. “They haven’t gotten to ‘put on’ their tuxedos yet,” Hinds said.
As always, the Aviary offers a range of Animal Encounters — chances to get even closer to owls, sloths, penguins and falcons.
Whether seeking a peaceful morning in a beautiful habitat or a fun day of creativity and learning, there’s something for everyone at the National Aviary this summer. “Colors in Flight” brings the full rainbow to life through Labor Day weekend.
National Aviary: 700 Arch St., North Side, 412-323-7235, aviary.org. Hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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