Just in Time for Fall, Forests Theme Returns to the National Aviary

This fall, visitors can learn about the fascinating, dreamlike world of forests at the National Aviary with the return of the popular Forests seasonal theme on September 7. Though they make up just 30% of the land on Earth’s surface, forests are home to about 80% of all land animals, including birds, and are vital to the health of the planet and to humans. The Forests seasonal theme highlights the diversity of forested habitats found around the world and the actions we can take to help conserve them and protect their winged residents. Wander through lush, leafy habitats and take in woodsy décor throughout the Aviary. Explore the world of birds through interactive play spaces that inspire creativity and learning. Enjoy unforgettable experiences with forest birds like owls, eagles and vultures as you stroll through the Aviary, and learn about the unique ways birds build nests from materials found in the forest during dynamic daily programs. Tickets can be purchased at aviary.org.

Daily activities, many of which are included with admission, bring visitors into the incredible world of Forests. During the fun and interactive program Know Your Nest, learn about the birds that nest in forests and the wide variety of nesting styles found in the bird world. Learn more about a new member of the National Aviary flock: a female Andean Condor chick! Head to Condor Court for a Condor Chick Chat to get familiar with this magnificent species and this special chick, who hatched at the Aviary on June 7.  Favorite activities like the Tropical Rainforest Feeding bring guests close to birds from forests around the world, including the stunning Great Argus Pheasant and the elegant Victoria Crowned Pigeon, as they walk, waddle, and fly in for a meal.

Play spaces throughout the National Aviary provide opportunities for active play and learning for children. Watch as the Dynamic Floor from Breeze Creative becomes an interactive playground where children can hop, walk, and skip and watch as the floor responds to each movement. At the Draw Alive play space, visitors can get creative and color a design then watch as their creations come to life on screen right before their eyes using a special scanning technology. Hands-on play spaces let young visitors explore the worlds of zookeepers, veterinarians, and ornithologists.

Weekday visits in September come with perks! Don’t miss these opportunities:

  • From September 7 to 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., ease into the morning with a complimentary cup of coffee. Enjoy bird friendly coffee or tea generously provided by Pittsburgh-based Redstart Roasters in The Garden Room, serviced by Atria’s Specialty Catering.
  • Guests ages 60 and over can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets to African Adventure Presented by AAA Travel, a live immersive bird show where an African Penguin waddles by and a Gray Crowned-Crane flies past, among other beautiful African species.

Forests begins September 7 and runs through January 2 at the National Aviary. This weekend is the last chance to make a splash during World of Oceans, the National Aviary’s exciting summer season. One program that won’t wash away when summer ends is Wonderful Waterbirds, an interactive experience where flamingos and pelicans strut by close to visitors in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater. This opportunity to see these fascinating birds up close runs through the end of the year.

In The News

See All News

Meet Wanda, a critically endangered Vietnam pheasant hatched at the National Aviary | CBS News

The National Aviary is introducing visitors to Wanda, a critically endangered Vietnam pheasant chick that hatched this spring.

Read More »

Guam kingfishers hatched at National Aviary among first released into wild in nearly 40 years | CBS News

Three Guam kingfishers that hatched at the National Aviary have been released on an island in the Pacific, marking the first time their species has been in the wild in nearly 40 years.

Read More »

Guam Sihek Released to the Wild | National Aviary

Nine Guam Kingfishers have been released to the wild on Palmyra Atoll, making them the first of their kind to reside in the wild since the 1980s.  

Read More »

Take an Enchanting Journey through Forests this fall at the National Aviary! | National Aviary

Explore the Aviary’s new fall seasonal theme, Forests Presented by Peoples; learn more about the creatures who inhabit these woodland areas during TWO new daily activities, and say “hello again!” to the adorable Eurasian Eagle-Owl making her Animal Ambassador debut!

Read More »

  Extinct in the Wild birds head to new home ahead of first wild release | National Aviary

Precious Guam Kingfishers arrived on the Pacific Island as part of a project to re-establish a wild population 

Read More »