The National Aviary’s ‘Coastal Getaway’ provides a tropical treat in winter’s midst
As Pittsburgh winter wears on, everyone is dreaming of a tropical escape — and that vacation is just minutes away with the National Aviary’s new seasonal theme, “Coastal Getaway.” The best antidote to dark afternoons is a trip to the Aviary on the North Side to enjoy décor, immersive habitats, activities, encounters and more that evoke a bright coastal paradise.
Each day, visitors can immerse themselves in several different coastal environments with new programs and fan favorite habitats. In Canary’s Call, presented by Dollar Bank, guests can enjoy a new daily Birds of the Islands Talk with an Aviary expert. “Guests can learn more about exciting tropical species, like Mariana fruit doves, and Malayan flying foxes, which are actually a species of an adorable fruit-eating bat,” says Becca Hansborough, content and communications manager for the National Aviary.
“We also have daily feedings, included with general admission, that are very popular among families and bird-lovers alike,” she says. These take place in multiple habitats throughout the Aviary, including the Wetlands. “Visitors can watch experts feed stunning birds like Inca terns and, of course, beautiful American flamingos in a very bright and coastal environment.”
And who can forget that African Penguins are coastal birds, too? No visit to the National Aviary is complete without a stroll to Penguin Point, which is modeled after the rocky shores of South Africa, where you can watch the penguin colony swim about without having to leave the warm and cozy indoors. Daily feedings also take place at Penguin Point for you to marvel at, as these cute tuxedoed birds jump and catch sustainably-sourced fish during their meal time.
On those especially cold days, one habitat embodies the tropical experience most of all. “The Tropical Rainforest habitat really does feel like walking into a rainforest,” Hansborough says. She talked excitedly about the iconic family of Victoria crowned pigeons that call the habitat home, its beautiful 15-foot waterfall, and the possibility of spotting Wookiee, one of three Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths at the Aviary.
The National Aviary allows you to upgrade your visit and get even closer with add-on opportunities including Animal Encounters with a sloth, hawk, owl, falcon and of course a penguin (and there’s even a Jr. Penguin encounter for little ones)! During the popular Penguin encounters, you can touch a penguin carefully on its back while an expert explains why the conservation of the species is so important. “The Aviary experts make sure that the penguins are comfortable at all times,” Hansborough notes. “It makes for an unforgettable memory that everyone will enjoy.”
Another exciting add-on opportunity is the chance to watch in amazement as powerful birds of prey, like a bald eagle, soar overhead during Habitat Heroes, a live bird theater show presented by AAA Travel. “One of my personal favorites, this experience is so unique, and is a real treat for anyone visiting the Aviary for the first time,” Hansborough says.
The winter and spring are also filled with festive events for animal lovers at the National Aviary. Flamingo Fest, on February 24 and 25, is a time to celebrate the long-legged flashy pink birds during the gray winter. “Flamingo Fest is one of our most popular celebrations,” Hansborough says. “People really go all out. Some even dress like flamingoes and wear festive pink outfits.” Participants can make flamingo crafts, learn all about the species, and visit the resident flock in the Wetlands habitat.
Eggstravaganza takes place, appropriately, around Easter. On March 23 and 24, and then March 29 and 30, visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the Aviary’s habitats. There’s also story time for kids, crafts to make and take home, and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Last, but certainly not least, is Penguin-Palooza, on the weekend of April 27-28, where guests can visit the colony at Penguin Point, watch a fun feeding where you also learn how to help penguins and other marine life every day, and create cool penguin crafts.
If gathering with family, friends or a date for a scrumptious meal is more your speed, there are three upcoming opportunities to enjoy a delicious Brunch in The Garden Room at the Aviary. Sunday, February 11, is a Valentine’s Day brunch to share with your sweetheart, followed by brunches on Easter Sunday and Mother’s Day. Brunch is served in The Garden Room, which overlooks the Aviary’s historic Rose Garden, and features a delicious spread prepared by Chef Josef Karst of Atria’s Specialty Catering. “Brunch in the Garden Room is really like no other, they really pull out all the stops,” Hansborough says. “Guests can explore the immersive habitats after eating.”
Escape the Pittsburgh chill and warm up at the National Aviary for a “Coastal Getaway,” now until May.
Memberships at the Aviary make it easy to catch all of the bird fun all year long. For more information on programs, animal encounters, events, memberships, and more, visit aviary.org.
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