Bird Watching In Pittsburgh
Macaws, Trumpeters, Owls and Woodpeckers at the National Aviary
Why travel the world to get a glimpse of exotic bills, beaks and feathers when you can just head to Steel Town?
If you had no idea that there was such a thing as a National Aviary, you will no doubt be even more surprised to learn that it's in a city better known for its Steelers and Penguins (of the hockey variety).
The National Aviary has been around since 1952 when it was built by the city as part of the Pittsburgh Aviary-Conservatory. It is the largest aviary in America although upon first sight, you may find this hard to believe. In fact, your first impression may not be an entirely favorable one. From the outside it looks small and parts of it unkept. But don't worry. It's nothing like a low-budget roadside zoo where the conditions are so cramped and unclean you end up spending five minutes of your visit inside and the rest composing a letter to the Department of Animal Welfare.
Exotic Rainforest Birds
Your hesitation will immediately evaporate upon stepping into the first giant, greenhouse style area called the Wetlands Free Flying Room. The air is warm and humid, replicating the climate of a tropical rainforest and it's filled with the sound of hundreds of birds singing, calling and flapping. There are numerous varieties of South American Macaws perched on branches and benches. A couple of Grey Winged Trumpeters walk about freely, even pecking at people's feet and chasing children as they walk by. There are numerous information posts stationed about where you can learn that the Trumpeters are kept for killing snakes in their native Argentina. You can also watch Inca terns roosting and chattering loudly from the high rafters while a couple of Spectacled Owls watch silently and comically from behind the leaves of the tree they are perched in.
You will find the birds in the next rooms just as active. In the Asian Tropics room the air is moist and the vegetation lush. You might catch a glimpse of a beautiful Black-Headed Woodpecker, its body such a vibrant yellow it's hard to believe it's related to our North American species.
Mating Dances on Display
In the Australasian room it's not unusual to see a Victorian Crowned Pigeon performing a mating dance. It looks surprising similar to the one performed by North American pigeons except that this tropical version is the size of a turkey. He (like the majority of birds, the male does the mating dance) first fans out his tail, then drags it across the floor while making a sound so loud you'll look around for its source, not believing it came from a bird. It's a booming, wind-tunnel noise that actually comes from his throat. Unlike the female of his species, who is usually not in the mood and consequently bored by the spectacle, you will be totally impressed.
It's impossible to mention all of the birds you will see as the aviary houses over 600 birds from around the world. To see everything, including regularly scheduled feedings and educational shows, you will need about three hours. The photo and video opportunities are endless as every second a new flash of colour catches your eye and another beautiful song catches your ear. Also worth mentioning is how clean and odor free it is. You might find yourself wondering if the birds are toilet trained as barely a speck of poop is to be seen. But most important of all, the birds are healthy, active and happy.
