Outdoor Birdwatching Classes
Owl Prowl
POPULAR!!! | 7 – 9 pm | Members: $20; Non-Members: $25
Meet-up-style program
- MORE SPOTS ADDED!!! Fri., October 2 | Toms Run Nature Reserve | Register
- SOLD OUT!!! Fri., October 9 | Frick Park
- SOLD OUT!!! Fri., October 16 | Wingfield Pines
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Owl Prowl Details
Who-o-o will you hear calling from the trees at night? Take a twilight trek through a local nature haven with a National Aviary expert and search (and listen!) for some of nature’s most mysterious creatures: owls. Learn more about Pittsburgh’s native owl species and regale as our expert shares their expertise on these nocturnal neighbors – from their amazing adaptations to their incredible behaviors. With any luck, you may even hear one calling from up in the trees!
Owl Prowl Tips:
- Participants should wear appropriate footwear for walking on unpaved paths
- Have a flashlight handy
*This is a meet-up-style program; participants travel independently to the location. Participants must be 6 years of age or older; those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. A printed guide that highlights native and migrating owls will be provided. There are no trash or restroom facilities at Toms Run Nature Reserve or Wingfield Pines.
Birding Expedition: Powdermill Nature Reserve and Avian Research Center
Sat., October 3 | 8:30 – 11:30 am | Members: $50; Non-Members: $55
Meet at Powdermill Nature Reserve and Avian Research Center | Register
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Birding Expedition: Powdermill Nature Reserve and Avian Research CenterA photo-worthy day full of important conservation work, stunning views, and beautiful birds! Begin your day at the Powdermill Avian Research Center (PARC), part of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Powdermill Nature Reserve. Here, you can watch skilled ornithologists gently capture, band, and release wild birds—an up-close look at avian research and conservation in action. It’s a rare chance to see warblers, thrushes, and other songbirds just inches away while learning about migration and habitat studies.Join the Aviary to zoom in on birds like warblers, thrushes, vireos, and flycatchers with Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill and Educator and Photographer Mike Faix, who will be able to provide interesting information and birding tales appealing to kids and adults alike. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow an Aviary pair that we’ll help you use!Afterward, we continue our adventure into the Laurel Highlands with a visit to the Spruce Flats Bog, a unique high-elevation wetland surrounded by spruce and tamarack trees. A short boardwalk trail leads you through mossy hummocks and quiet pools where we may spot migrant birds on their journey south.Birding Expeditions are open to participants 6 years and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
Owl Prowl Birdwatching Kayak Tour with L.L.Bean
SOLD OUT!!! Sun., October 11 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
$75 per person | North Park Lake
All Necessary Equipment Provided
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Owl Prowl Birdwatching Kayak Tour DetailsFor one October night only!! Two of our most popular fall programs are combining in 2026!Join National Aviary Ornithology and Education experts alongside L.L.Bean’s experienced and professional guides for an Owl Prowl Birdwatching Kayak Tour! This by land and by water excursion promises an exhilarating fall evening. First, observe birds by kayak during a twilight tour. Watch as birds settle in to roost, then move to nearby trails for a moody trek to search for and listen to native owl species, like Eastern Screech-Owls and Great Horned Owls.L.L.Bean’s experienced and professional guides will provide on-land instruction on kayak equipment, basic strokes, and safety guidelines before a National Aviary expert leads kayakers out on the water to scan the shoreline and surrounding forest for birds. All equipment, including kayaks, paddles, safety floatation devices, and L.L.Bean Discovery Binoculars are included. No prior experience is necessary.Participants should wear appropriate footwear for walking on unpaved paths and have a flashlight handy
Participants must be 8 years old or older. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult participant.
Birding Expedition: Blue Spruce County Park
SOLD OUT!!! Sat., November 14 | 8:30 – 11:30 am | Members: $50; Non-Members: $55
Meet Blue Spruce County Park
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Birding Expedition: Blue Spruce County Park DetailsMake your own magical woodland moment come to life with a trip to Blue Spruce County Park. Meet up with National Aviary Educator and Photographer Mike Faix and Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill for a morning of birdwatching…and chickadee feeding! Birders and animal-lovers will be able to hone bird identification skills, while younger families with birding beginners can learn the basics as you explore one of Western Pennsylvania’s most beautiful locations.Join us for this very special Indiana County birding experience, where adorable chickadees have been taught to land on the outstretched fingertips of bird watchers of all ages for scrumptious sunflower seeds! Having birds land on your hand for a seasonal snack is a very special and memorable experience for ALL ages that you don’t want to miss! Of course, November is near the height of fall bird migration, so Bob and Mike will also lead you on a park exploration in search of waterfowl and other traveling species. Both experts are experienced birding and education expert who will be able to provide interesting information and birding tales appealing to kids and adults alike.
Birding Expeditions are open to participants 6 years and older. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Bring your own binoculars, or borrow an Aviary pair that we’ll help you use!
Visit our FAQ section of our website for our cancellation policy.
In cases of insufficient registration, the National Aviary reserves the right to cancel any program. Under these circumstances, you will receive a full refund.