Winter school break looms large over the holiday season. What to do with the kids between Christmas and New Years? Why, take them to the National Aviary, of course!
There are few opportunities to get swooshed by a Victoria Crowned Pigeon (the bird is so much more fabulous looking than “pigeon” implies), or swooshed by several species of woodlands birds… but the National Aviary, in Pittsburgh, gives you that chance — and if you love birds — or even if you’re just mildly interested — you should really go check it out.
Home to over 600 animals representing about 200 species — including the Victoria Crowned Pigeon, the National Aviary, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only independent indoor nonprofit aviary in the United States. It is also the country’s largest aviary.
In case you’re wondering why it’s the “national” aviary, and not “just” the Pittsburgh aviary, or some such name, that’s because Congress formally accorded it “national” status.
The National Aviary’s collection features birds representing every continent except Antarctica. Many of these species are showcased in free-flight mixed species exhibits, to allow the birds to demonstrate natural behaviors. It was in one of these free-flight rooms where I was swooshed by the gorgeous pigeon.
Getting there: 700 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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nice