Escape to tropical climates with the National Aviary's new seasonal happenings

Watching the post-holiday snow pile up on Pittsburgh sidewalks can prompt some tropical daydreams. Spending winter somewhere balmy sounds a lot better than trudging through slush. The good news is that even if you don’t have the vacation days to jet off in January, a visit to the National Aviary can feel like a tropical vacation.

A “Rainforest Retreat” at the National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side is about more than just keeping the cold away. With vibrant birds, lush foliage and immersive experiences, it’s the perfect getaway without having to worry about airfare.

“You can come to the Aviary and you can feel like you’re part of that tropical experience. You can see birds that you aren’t going to see anywhere else. What are the odds that you’re going to the Mariana Islands?” said Megan Hinds, director of marketing and communications for the National Aviary.

This winter — to engage even more of the senses — the Aviary is focusing on the soundscape of their tropical habitats. Included with admission, guests can learn about the vocalizations of our feathered friends at four new daily experiences included with admission.

At 11:30 a.m. daily in the Tropical Rainforest, learn about “Rainforest Melodies.” At 12:30 p.m. at Canary’s Call, experts will teach about these yellow-hued “Mining Marvels” and the vocal warnings canaries provide. Get the 411 on flamingoes at the 2:30 p.m. “Fabulous Flamingoes Expert Talk.”

“What do their sounds mean? We have a big flamingo flock: what are their personalities like? How are they engaging with each other? Really, Fabulous Flamingoes is kind of giving visitors the inside scoop on flock gossip,” Hinds said, describing what to expect.

Then at 3 p.m., attendees can play “Tweet That Tune” in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone Theater and show off their knowledge of their favorite birds’ vocal flourishes.

While you’re spending a day in the tropics, be sure to check out timed bird feedings. In the Tropical Rainforest habitat at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Spotted Whistling Duck and Victoria Crowned Pigeon families get their meals. At noon and 2:30 p.m. in the Wetlands habitat, the majestic Blue-billed Curassow pair will get snacks with which to strut about. And Pittsburgh loves its penguins, so at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., take the journey to Penguin Point to watch the African Penguin colony dine.

Don’t forget to check out the newly minted national bird while you visit! Now that the Aviary is working on a new immersive show for later this spring, the Habitat Hero heralding bald eagles will be back in their public-facing habitat!

Special event weekends are a great time to visit the Aviary for something more unique. Flamingo Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 22 and 23 and will feature flamingo crafts and loads of fun facts about the bright pink birds. Even better, you can buy tickets to artist Maria DeSimone Prascak’s “Brushes and Birds” event on Feb. 23, where you can make a flamingo portrait of your own. Tickets for both events tend to fly off the shelves quickly!

On March 22 and 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Penguin-Palooza will bring tuxedoed waddlers to the forefront with education and fun…stay tuned for details about a 21+ event debuting that weekend!

And April 12, 13, 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will bring Eggstravaganza, where guests can join an immersive egg hunt around the Aviary.

Hungry for more? The Aviary will hold special holiday brunches in The Garden Room throughout the season. There’s a Valentine’s Day brunch on Feb. 16; an Easter brunch on April 20; a Mother’s Day brunch on May 11; and a Father’s Day brunch on June 15. Enjoy delicious dishes from Atria’s Specialty Catering in the lovely setting.

Speaking of holidays, take the chance to find the perfect gift for moms, dads, grads and more in the Aviary’s Gift Shop, or with add-on experiences such as rainbow lorikeet feedings or Animal Encounters with an owl, sloth, falcon or penguin. You can hatch the perfect gift for any taste.

And Hinds said that there are plenty of treats still to come, including the aforementioned 21+ night in March that’s in its planning stages and that new immersive bird show in the spring. Also, possibly some new additions to the Aviary’s population.

“Winter and spring are chick-hatching season, so there’s always … we can’t say definitely who’s going to hatch, but there’s always a cute chick…or five!” Hinds said.

To keep up with the many happenings and to plan your escape to the National Aviary, visit aviary.org.