Falcon Encounter

Falcon Encounter

Daily, except Tuesdays at 1:30 pm
Members: $66.60 per person
Non-Members: $74 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 6+

Meet a master of the sky and dive into the world of falcons alongside a National Aviary expert!

Book Your Encounter Here
Lanner Falcon looking to its right side as it perches gently on the gloved hand of an Aviary expert.
Lanner Falcon
Lanner Falcon on the gloved hand of an Encounter participant
Lanner Falcon
  • Hold a fierce falcon on your gloved hand with the assistance of an aviculturist*.
  • Learn about the fascinating adaptations that make falcons “masters of the sky,” from their aerodynamic wings to their incredible vision – which is eight times better than that of a human!
  • Gain a deeper understanding of birds of prey and learn how you can protect falcons like Horus or Austin in the wild.
  • Yes, you can take photos or videos and of course, ask our experts questions!

*An aviculturist is a National Aviary expert who provides daily care for the falcon

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 412-258-9445.

More Falcon Fun!

National Aviary Peregrine FalconCam

Peregrine Falcon adult female, Carla, closely watching her two newly hatched chicks.

THIS FEBRUARY: In a nest box located high atop the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, wild Peregrine Falcon pair, Carla and Ecco, return for another season of the National Aviary Peregrine FalconCam live stream!

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Falconry: The Sport of Kings

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

Sat., September 5 | 10 am – 12 pm |  Members: $20; Non-Members: $25 | National Aviary General Admission Included 

Travel back in time to learn about a sport that has been around for thousands of years: Falconry!

Reserve Your Spot

Additional Information

  • This unique experience is designed for those ages 6 and up.
    • All children 17 and under must have their release forms signed by a parent or legal guardian.
    • Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by another encounter participant over the age of 18.
  • Animal Encounters are non-refundable. Requests to reschedule must be made a minimum of 7 days in advance, based upon availability.
  • Book before you visit to guarantee your experience. Same-day registration is based on limited program availability and cannot be guaranteed.  
  • Please Note: At the National Aviary, we give our animals the choice to participate in interactive experiences with caring guests, like you! As the comfort and safety of our animals and our guests is always our top priority, animals may choose not to participate on any given day. In the event the animal needs a day of rest or chooses not to participate, we will happily reschedule your experience.

Proceeds from Animal Encounters support the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats.

In The News

See All News

Peregrine falcons start incubating clutch of 4 eggs in Cathedral of Learning nest | WPXI

The National Aviary says Carla started incubating her eggs after laying a third one on Sunday afternoon.

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Peregrine falcon clutch of eggs growing in Cathedral of Learning nest | WPXI

The clutch of peregrine falcon eggs is growing up high on the Cathedral of Learning.

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Peregrine falcons on Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning lay first egg of season | CBS News

The National Aviary, which runs a livestream of the nest, said Carla laid the first egg around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. It's the first of up to six, though the average peregrine falcon clutch is four. 

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National Aviary’s star peregrine falcons welcome first egg of the season | WPXI

Carla and Ecco are featured on the aviary’s Peregrine FalconCam livestream, showing their nest high up on the southeast side of the Cathedral of Learning.

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