National Aviary officials plan to make this winter the most interactive one yet, with new programs based on past patron requests.
“Nesting in Nature” starts this month and runs through May 19.
Visitors can immerse themselves in lush habitats and the beauty of budding relationships.
The idea of the program came from a push for more knowledge about how birds prepare to build families, said Aviary director of marketing and communications Megan Hinds.
“We’re very excited,” Hinds said. “Springtime (and warm weather!) comes early to the National Aviary. We’re already starting to see signs of elaborate courtship displays and some nest building with different partners. We think of nests like the ones we see in our backyard.
“Different bird species make different nests with different materials depending on their environment, depending on potential predators, size of egg laying and things like that. It is just really cool to see how many different types of nests there are,” she said. “We hope to see over the next few months to see some chick hatchings as well.”
Some of the birds to look out for include Eurasian Eagle-Owls, the Spring-colored Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Victoria Crowned Pigeons, Boat-billed Herons and Toco Toucans.
Hinds said the Aviary, which serves about 220,000 visitors annually, has never had a seasonal program this focused on nesting and relationships, outside of its popular Easter Eggstravaganza weekends.
“We’ve seen a lot of people have so many questions and be so excited,” Hinds said of those special occasions. “When we do have chicks here, we always have people who really want to come and learn all about these adorable little birds. We thought this is a natural next step to really get people to see and understand what it takes to get to that point.”
New activities
Some of the new daily activities with Nesting in Nature include “Not Just Bird Eggs: Expert Talk” in the Helen M. Schmidt FliteZoneTM Theater.
Guests throughout the season will meet an array of animal ambassador empty nesters, potential nesters and maybe a few who have yet to fledge.
Other educational opportunities include “Nurturing Nesters: Expert Feeding” in the wetlands and “Rainforest Residents: Expert Feeding,” in the rainforest; both involve showcasing nest building.
These are covered with general admission.
Add-on experiences include hand-feeding Rainbow Lorikeets, who are known to be dedicated cavity nesters. The inquisitive Australian birds will fly down and land on visitors’ outstretched arms for a taste of sweet nectar in a cup.
People can also experience what it is like to be a falconer and hold a bird like Horus, the Lanner falcon, while learning from experts about the bird of prey. The falcon experience is available this season only.
People can also take virtual flights as birds with Birdly®, a full-body flight simulator that lets you soar through the skies.
On Birdly, fly over New York, national parks and world wonders or go back in time on a Jurassic flight, plus, visit those national parks around the world and the birds who live there during their most immersive show to date, Passport to Parks, presented by AAA Travel.
People must purchase a general admission ticket and add-on ticket to participate.
General admission is $20.95 for adults, $18.95 for seniors, $17.95 for children and children younger than 2 years old get in free.
Memberships are also available. They provide admission for the year as well as discounts on animal encounters, gift shop purchases, and more.
Hinds has been with the Aviary for about six years and has learned one day is not long enough to experience all it has to offer.
“We always want to make sure people have opportunities for different experiences,” Hinds said. “We want to make sure that people know the Aviary’s not a place to come once a year. You should really be coming (at least) four times a year, because every season we have a different, unique angle of educational programming and unique experiences based on what guests and visitors seem to like the most.”
Save the dates
The Aviary also has special programming on certain days.
Early Childhood Morning, an experience geared toward children ages 5 and younger with their parents/caregivers, is set for Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Kids can experience fun and engage in art activities, sensory play and books while families explore the vibrant world of birds.
Penguin-Palooza is Jan. 24-25 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Aviary’s favorite flightless feathered friends and meet a colony of African penguins in Penguin Point, make penguin-themed crafts, listen to experts and how to help marine life every day.
Flamingo Fest is Feb. 28 and March 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make a funky craft inspired by the flock and learn all about the long-legged wader.
The Aviary is closed on Tuesdays from January through March.
It will be open seven days a week starting April 7.
More information about Aviary programs and memberships is available at aviary.org.