FliteZone, the National Aviary’s outdoor free-flight bird show, is NEW this year!

Two different shows will run all summer long. A morning raptor show will feature eagles, black kites, an auger buzzard, vultures and more. Several species will make their debut flights, including Indy, a bald eagle, and Franco, a Harris hawk. Sahara, a southern ground hornbill, will also make her the first public appearance. Each bird will demonstrate the physical and behavioral attributes unique to birds of prey.

The afternoon show will feature species in the parrot family, as well as a few surprise appearances by other Aviary residents. Flocks of scarlet, green-winged and hyacinth macaws, Amazon parrots, a trumpeter hornbill and an American crow will demonstrate the behaviors that enable them to feed and survive in their native habitats. This show will highlight the adaptations for which parrots are noted, including intelligence, problem solving and mimicry.

FliteZone program content is designed to help audiences learn about the conservation challenges facing these birds in the wild, and will include opportunities to donate to the conservation of species seen in the show.

FliteZone opens Memorial Day weekend, Saturday, May 29, and runs through Labor Day. Show times are Wed-Sat, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Sundays, 2:30 p.m. There will be no Raptor Show on Sundays. Raptor shows will be offered at 11 a.m.; the parrot show will run at 2:30 p.m. Included in admission.