Capture dazzling images of exotic birds from around the world without ever leaving Pittsburgh!

Come to the National Aviary an hour before opening and get exclusive access to our birds at a time of day when they are especially active, and when some of the shyer species are more viewable. Our trainers will use their expertise to coax some seldom-seen birds out from their hiding places. Aviary educator and professional photographer Nicole Begley will be available to answer questions about photography, and, of course, birds.

Each program will focus on a particular section of the National Aviary, our fall dates are as follows:


January 7
Grasslands and Lories
Create some colorful imagery by going nose to beak with our flock rainbow lorikeets. We will also spend some time in the Grassland exhibit photographing our finch family!

February 4
Wetlands
Get closer to the birds in the Wetlands, including our flock of flamingos, by climbing down onto the beach to photograph birds at their level.

March 3
Tropical Rainforest
Photograph in the depths of the jungle within the Tropical Rainforest. The back-stage pathways will be accessible to allow for different perspectives and up-close enounters.

April 14 (Rain date - April 21)
Sky Deck
Photograph the National Aviary's finest at a private, outdoor Sky Deck viewing. This action packed hour gives you an unprecedented opportunity to get camera to beak with falcons, eagles, and the incredibly graceful black kites.

May 5
Penguins
Get closer to our penguins by photographing from all angles in the Penguin Point exhibit. Penguins will be encouraged to be active and swimming and one of the birds will be brought out from the exhibit for some special model time.

Programs runs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members and includes general admission to the Aviary on the day of the program. All experience levels are invited. Participants may shoot handheld or with a tripod and should provide their own equipment.


Space is limited. Advanced reservations required. Call 412-323-7235 ext 439 or email education.programs@aviary.org to reserve your spot or for more information.

Program is limited to 15 participants per program. Penguins and Grasslands are limited to ten participants.