FliteZone™ Free-flight Bird Show Opens May 23

Black Kites, Eagles Among New Additions

The National Aviary’s popular summer bird show, FliteZone™, returns in May with a cast double the size of previous shows and featuring new species that will provide the show’s signature aerial maneuvers.

FliteZone™ runs May 23 through Sept. 7, and will include the rare opportunity to see black kites in free flight. The National Aviary is the only zoo in the United States to train and fly black kites for audiences in an outdoor setting, and guests are in for a memorable experience as they see the incredible flight paths of these swift and agile birds. The kites — Apache, Baron, Stealth, Bomber, Recon and Radar — will circle, dive and zoom over the heads of seated audience members in pursuit of food tossed into the air by trainers.

Other show highlights: the sight of multiple Eurasian eagle owls flying simultaneously and providing a breathtaking close encounter with the world’s largest species of owl; and the skin-prickling rush of having five hooded vultures glide in for a landing, just inches from the audience seating area.

Birds of prey displaying their powerful physiques include Talon, an auger buzzard; Dillon, an imposing martial eagle; and Indy, a bald eagle. Adding color and fun as they interact with the audience will be Piper the trumpeter hornbill; a flock of hyacinth, green-winged and scarlet macaws; a palm cockatoo, and a bevy of Amazon parrots. Rounding out the program — a flock of silver gulls and American crow named Minnie.

FliteZone™ runs twice daily, Wednesday through Sunday, May 23 through September 7 in the Aviary Rose Garden, weather permitting. Show times are 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. National Aviary admission is $10 adults; $9 seniors: $8.50 children 2-12; children under 2 admitted free. More information at www.aviary.org or by calling 412.323.7235.