Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter

Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter

Daily* at 2 pm
Members: $66.60 per person
Non-Members: $74 per person
Includes General Admission
Ages 12+

*Available May 23 – September 7

All of the same joy that comes during our traditional Falcon Encounter…and then some! For the first time EVER, get DOUBLE the feathered fun during a brand-new Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter in our Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater.

Book Falcon + Flighted Friend Encounter
Lanner Falcon perched on an Encounter participant's gloved hand
Lanner Falcon
Curl-crested Aracari on the outstretched hand of an Encounter participant
Curl-crested Aracari
  • Experience the thrill of a falcon flying RIGHT TO YOU; landing on your waiting outstretched, gloved hand (with the help of a National Aviary aviculturist*).
  • Enjoy a visit from a SECOND flighted Animal Ambassador, like a bird of prey, a parrot, or even an aracari (pictured above)!
  • Snap the perfect social-media worthy shot with each Animal Ambassador perched on your gloved hand!
  • 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 them in the wild.

*An aviculturist is a National Aviary expert who provides daily care for our Animal Ambassadors

Additional Information

  • This unique experience is designed for those ages 12 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 habit

In The News

See All News

The Bird That Builds Its Own Incubator and Raises Itself (ft. insights from Senior Aviculturist, Brianna Crane) | A-Z Animals

Rather than sitting on their eggs themselves, they rely on external heat sources for incubation.

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National Aviary’s new bird causing a buzz in Northeast | KDKA

The Aviary recently welcomed Dariéna, a one-year-old female Harpy Eagle from the Miami Zoo, and she is the only known Harpy Eagle in the entire Northeast, weighing around 17 to 20 pounds.

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Peregrine Falcon Storm on KDKA News Radio! | KDKA

Director of Animal Programs and Experiences, Cathy Schlott talks all things Peregrine Falcons with John and Rachael from YaJagoff!

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New harpy eagle at the Aviary is a ‘once-in-a-lifetime species to see’ | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh has the only one in the Northeast, reflecting the bird's endangered status in the wild and slow reproduction rate.

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National Aviary Welcomes ONLY Harpy Eagle on the Northeast! | National Aviary

The National Aviary is overjoyed to welcome a new juvenile female Harpy Eagle to our flock! Hailing from the Miami Zoo (tag), this one-year-old raptor is the ONLY known Harpy living in the Northeast...  

Read More »