Classes and Programs

Classes and Programs

There’s no better way to learn more about your favorite National Aviary birds or the birds in your backyard than from a National Aviary expert. The National Aviary offers a variety of engaging classes for people of all skill levels!

Steller's Sea Eagle taking a bath
Headshot of a Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Photo Credit: National Aviary Educator and Photographer Mike Faix

Brushes & Birds: Flamingo Fest!

Sun., February 23 | 11 am – 1 pm | Members: $40; Non-Members: $45 | All Materials and National Aviary Admission Included | Register Here

  • Brushes & Birds: Flamingo Fest Details

    February portrait: A Fabulous Flamingo, in honor of Flamingo Fest!

    Did you know flamingoes get their iconic color from the food they eat? It’s true and now’s your chance to paint your very own iconic, pink work of art!

    Join Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas; MariasIdeas.com for a creative and colorful class in painting your own fine and feathered masterpiece. In this course, designed for painters of all ages and abilities, follow Maria’s step-by-step instructions to paint a portrait of a well-loved resident of the National Aviary: the American Flamingo. 

    Open to participants 8 years and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Brushes & Birds: 21+ Penguin Edition!

Thurs., June 12 | 5:30 – 8 pm | Members: $40; Non-Members: $45 | 21+ | All Materials Included | Register Here

  • Brushes & Birds: 21+ Penguin Edition Details

    June portrait: African Penguin!

    Did you know penguins have a streamlined body that is tapered at both beak and tail? Paint your very own portrait of this aerodynamic waddling wonder! Join Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (MariasIdeas.com) in person for a creative and colorful class in painting your own fine and feathered masterpiece. In this course, designed for painters of all painting abilities, follow Maria’s step-by-step instructions to paint a portrait of a well-loved National Aviary bird: the African Penguin!

    Prior to class, relax with friends and meet a National Aviary Animal Ambassador! Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage and scrumptious bites,  available for purchase from Atria’s.

    Please note: this event is for adults ages 21 and up. 

Falconry: the Sport of Kings

  • SOLD OUT!!! Sat., March 29 | 10 am – Noon | Members: $20; Non-Members: $25 | National Aviary Admission Included
  • Sat., August 2 | 10 am – Noon | Members: $20; Non-Members: $25 | National Aviary Admission Included | Register Here
  • Falconry: the Sport of Kings Details

    Falconry, the Sport of Kings, has been around for thousands of years. Join the National Aviary’s licensed falconer and Director of Animal Programs and Experiences, Cathy Schlott, to discover the rich history and modern-day practices behind this unique sport. Learn about the variety of birds falconers hunt with and the individual consideration in selecting a species while enjoying a visit from one of the National Aviary’s Ambassador Animals. Explore the variety of falconry equipment and get an overview of the regulations governing falconry in the United States.

    A Lanner Falcon landing on licensed falconer, Cathy Schlott's outstretched gloved hand.

    Cathy Schlott extending her gloved-hand as a Lanner Falcon lands on it

    To ensure the best experience for guests and our birds, this program is for guests ages 10 and older. Guests under the age of 16 need to be accompanied by a registered adult over 18 years of age.

Virtual Fun: Meet and Tweets!

Brighten your team’s day by having a special guest attend your next video meeting or virtual happy hour! You can schedule a surprise video drop-in with a penguin, parrot, or owl!

Learn More!

Visit our FAQ section of our website for our cancellation policy. In cases of insufficient registration, the National Aviary reserves the right to cancel any program. Under these circumstances, you will receive a full refund. 

Find information about our fun and engaging camps for all ages here!

In The News

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Cathedral of Learning peregrine falcon pair lays first egg of season | Yahoo! News

Carla laid the egg on Sunday afternoon. She will likely lay at least three more.

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Cathedral of Learning peregrine falcon pair lays first egg of season | WPXI

The National Aviary says the peregrine falcons living high up on the side of the Cathedral of Learning have welcomed their first egg of the season.

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First Peregrine falcon egg laid atop Cathedral of Learning | Audacy

The first Peregrine falcon egg of the season has been laid atop the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning.

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Peregrine falcons nesting atop Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning lay first egg of the season | 90.5 WESA

Dedicated — perhaps eagle-eyed — viewers of the National Aviary’s peregrine falcon camera may have spotted the pair’s first egg of the season over the weekend.

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Cathedral of Learning peregrine falcons welcome 1st egg of the season | TribLive

The Cathedral of Learning’s feathered residents have welcomed a new addition to the nest.

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