Falcon Encounter

Falcon Encounter

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

*Flying away Fri., May 22!

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 in the wild.
  • Yes, you can take photos or videos and 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.

SOLD OUT!!! 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

How to attract orioles to your yard this spring | National Geographic

These songbirds have a conspicuous sweet tooth—but experts say putting out oranges and other fruits isn't the only way to turn your backyard into an oriole hotspot.

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4 peregrine chicks roost atop Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning, one of the city’s most prolific falcon nurseries | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Carla and Ecco have their talons full with four peregrine falcon chicks at the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning after four eggs hatched recently.

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Four peregrine falcon eggs hatch in nest on top of Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning | CBS News

There are four peregrine falcon chicks in the nest on top of the University of Pittsburgh's Cathedral of Learning after all the eggs hatched.

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3 peregrine falcon chicks hatch in Cathedral of Learning nest | MSN

High above the crowds in Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, the team of a beloved peregrine falcon pair was growing.

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The National Aviary’s football connections | Pittsburgh Today Live

Just steps from where all the action will take place sits the largest indoor aviary in the country! Team PTL's Daisy Jade went over to the National Aviary and learned that there is a football connection!

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