A Tour Of The National Aviary

Here in Pittsburgh, we not only have an amazing zoo, but the National Aviary, home to over 500 different birds! That sounds cool and all, but if you’re like me, it also sounds a little scary. I’m not the biggest bird fan. I had a cockatiel for a few years as a child, and he spent all of his time biting people, pooping on everyone, and expertly recreating the sound of our old dot-matrix printer. And let’s face it, birds LOVE to poop on humans (as far as I can tell). But since I am a grown up, I decided I needed to face my fears and go to the Aviary this year.

Turns out, the Aviary is SO FUN. And I didn’t get pooped on!! (But if you *do* get pooped on, you get a badge!)

Ahead is our photo-blog of our day at the Aviary!

Guam Kingfishers, just chilling on poopy branches.

Rhinoceros hornbill, just hanging out.

Sassy parrots looking at you.

Poofy pelican.

Flamingoes, keeping it all sorts of real.

Random birds who would like to cross in front of you even though they don’t have the walk signal.

ADORABLE TINY BURROWING OWL THAT I ALMOST PUT IN MY PURSE AND STOLE.

Sweet penguins watching you as much as you are watching them.

CUTE OVERLOAD TINY BABY PENGUINS!!!!!!!! OMG SO FLUFFY AND WONDEROUS!!!

Husbands that look just like penguins.

Astoundingly cute little flying foxes!! There are many programs throughout the day, and we highly recommend checking them out, especially snack time for the bats. They are fruit bats who love to eat tropical fruit treats. Adorable.

Regal eagle being so dang American.

But the BEST part of the Aviary is Lorikeet Feeding Time!! For $3, you can feed the loris! Get there early because the line may be long. But it is worth it!!

I was first in line, so four hungry lorikeets flew right to me as soon as we were in their room. They are beautiful! And so friendly.

Seriously, no matter what else you see, make sure you go to the lorikeet feeding session! There are several throughout the day. It was the coolest thing.

We had a great day at the Aviary. No poop (on us, anyhow)! Plan to spend at least 2 hours so you can see all the birds and some of the shows. In addition to the 2 sessions we attended (bat feeding and lori feeding), you can see the penguins eat their dinner, watch the aviculturists feed the birds in the rainforest, wetlands, and grasslands areas, or sign up for one of their special interactive encounters. AND don’t forget, if you get pooped on, let someone know so you can get your special badge!