National Aviary Free-flight Bird Show
continues through Labor Day Weekend

National Aviary's Summer Free-Flight Bird Show Provides Audiences with Close Encounters of the Bird Kind.   

A Eurasian Eagle Owl, the largest species of owl in the world. A West African Crowned Crane with a six-foot wing span. A rare Palm Cockatoo. A majestic African Fish Eagle. A formidable Augar Buzzard. Brilliantly hued Scarlet Macaws. These birds and more are delighting audiences of all ages at the spectacular free-flight bird show, Close Encounters of the Bird Kind, which runs through Labor Day weekend at the National Aviary.

Swooping and diving just inches above the audience, the birds perform stunning displays of natural behaviors for the,crowds gathered at the National Aviary's outdoor rose garden. Miles, the Trumpeter Hornbill, catches grapes out of the air, while Sluggo, the Black Legged Seriema, slams a rubber alligator against a rock to demonstrate his technique for killing prey. Quito, the Double Yellow Headed Amazon Parrot and star of the show, talks to the audience and presents a rousing rendition of Old MacDonald Had a Farm. Ravens, parrots, crows and other species round out the show, each displaying their own special behaviors and talents.

"Audiences not only experience a thrilling and unforgettable personal encounter with rare and endangered birds, they also learn about ways to take conservation action," says Dayton Baker, executive director of the National Aviary. "Nowhere else can you experience birdlife this close, and adults and kids of all ages come away not only having had a great time, but also having a new appreciation for these magnificent creatures with whom we share our world."

Donations collected during the show benefit the World Parrot Trust. The WPT works to ensure the survival of parrot species by restoring and protecting populations of wild parrots and their native habitats, promoting awareness of the threats to captive and wild parrots, opposing the trade of wild-caught parrots, providing education on the care and breeding of parrots, and encouraging links between conservation and aviculture.

Close Encounters of the Bird Kind show takes place Wednesday-Sunday, through Labor Day weekend, 11:30AM and 2:00PM, weather permitting. The National Aviary is open daily 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Admission is $6.00 adults; $5.00 seniors; $4.50 kids ages 2-12; children under 2 admitted free. For more information, log on to http://www.aviary.org or call 412-323-7235.

The National Aviary. Inspiring Respect for Nature Through An Appreciation for Birds.