FliteZone Free-flight Bird Show Running All Summer
Bald Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill, Harris Hawk Make Pittsburgh Debut
The National Aviary’s outdoor bird show, FliteZone, opened Memorial Day weekend and is running all summer long with new program content and the debut of several species never before seen in free-flight at the Aviary.
Two different shows are offered this year: The morning raptor show features eagles, black kites, an auger buzzard, vultures and more. Several species are making their debut flights in this show, including Indy, a bald eagle, and Franco, a Harris hawk. Sahara, a southern ground hornbill, is also new this year. Each bird demonstrates the physical and behavioral attributes that make them uniquely suited for hunting and catching prey, or in the case of vultures, carrion.
A second show in the afternoon features species in the parrot family, as well as a few surprise appearances by other Aviary residents. This show highlights the adaptations for which the parrot species is noted, including intelligence, problem solving and mimicry. Flocks of scarlet, green-winged and hyacinth macaws fill the air space with brilliant shades of red, green, and blue as they circle above Allegheny Commons park before settling on the stage, while Amazon parrots, a trumpeter hornbill and an American crow demonstrate the behaviors that enable them to feed and survive in their native habitats.
All of the birds in the shows have been trained by National Aviary staff using positive reinforcement techniques. Program content is designed to help audiences learn about the conservation challenges facing these birds in the wild, and will include opportunities to donate to the conservation of species seen in the show.
FliteZone show times are Wed-Sat, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Raptor shows will be offered at 11 a.m.; the parrot show will run at 2:20 p.m. Included in admission. National Aviary admission is $12 adults; $11 seniors; $9.50 children 2-12; under 2 admitted free. For more information call 412.323.7235 or click www.aviary.org .
Additional Summer Events at the National Aviary:
Lories Birthday Party
July 10, 11 am – 2 pm
Celebrate the birthdays of our rainbow lorikeets with free nectar feedings, face painting and other fun activities.
Night in the Tropics
July 17, 7 p.m.
A fun and carefree celebration, Night in the Tropics is one of the best parties of the summer! Enjoy great food and drink provided by some of Pittsburgh’s best restaurants, dancing to the mellow tunes of The Freedom Band, and hanging out with the Aviary’s flock of more than 600 birds. Presented this year by BNY Mellon, Night in the Tropics benefits the Aviary’s education and wildlife conservation programs. Tickets $50; VIP tickets $100. (VIP tickets include free valet parking, VIP reception, and access to VIP-only bars and restaurants in the BNY Mellon Hospitality Tent.) To order, call 412.323.7230, x240 or click www.aviary.org
Animal Rescue Day
August 7, 11 a.m. – 2 pm
Meet available pets and representatives from area rescue shelters and help give a dog or cat a forever home.
Safety Day
August 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Meet the men and women who help keep us safe, and get an up-close look at emergency vehicles, police cars and fire trucks.
Flamingo Connection
Wed-Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Reservations recommended.
Cost is $30 per person; open to ages 10 and up.
Experience a rare encounter with the American flamingos that reside in the Wetlands of the Americas exhibit. Guests begin their experience by climbing down into the exhibit’s pond area for an extra close look at the birds’ remarkable physical attributes, from their bright pink feathers to their slender legs and curved beaks. While observing the birds, Aviary trainers will talk about flamingo behaviors and the challenges flamingos face in the wild. The National Aviary’s flamingos are curious and will often approach and preen their human visitors.
Junior Veterinarians
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Little ones learn about the many things veterinarians do each day to keep animals healthy and well. Children practice their animal doctor skills using toy stethoscopes, bandages and other toy medical equipment on plush birds that the Aviary provides, or bring a plush animal from home for a medical exam. Junior Veterinarians is led by Aviary veterinary staff, and during the program one of the Aviary’s own patients will be brought out for participants to meet. Included with admission.
National Aviary
700 Arch Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
www.aviary.org
412-323-7235
