Classes and Programs

Classes and Programs

Whether you’re a budding artist or photographer, or interested in what it takes to care for our feathered friends, the National Aviary offers exciting classes and programs to encourage, teach, and inspire!

Brushes & Birds: Beach Bag

Thurs., June 11 | 5:30 – 8 pm | Members $40; Non-Members $45 | 21+ | All materials included | Register Today

  • Brushes & Birds: Beach Bag Details

    JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER VACATION! Paint your very own eco-friendly beach bag featuring adorable African Penguins!

    Join Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasIdeas.com) for a creative, new twist on our fan-favorite painting class. Designed for painters of all ages and abilities, follow Maria’s step-by-step instructions to paint a portrait of a well-loved National Aviary resident, like our resident African Penguins.

    Prior to class, relax with friends and meet a National Aviary Animal Ambassador! Enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverage and scrumptious bites, which will be available for purchase from Atria’s Specialty Catering.

    Mock up of a beach back with an African Penguin on it

    Brushes & Birds classes are open to participants 8 years and older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. No prior drawing skills necessary; a tracer will be provided!

Species Spotlight: Vultures

Thurs., June 18 | 2 – 4 pm | Members: $25; Non-Members: $30 | 18+ | Register Today

  • Species Spotlight: Vultures Details

    What birds are considered one of the most misunderstood?! Vultures! Come get to know the species known for being nature’s clean-up crew during this new in-depth class for adults. As some of the Earth’s most important scavengers, vultures (Hooded, King, and more!) play a critical role in disease prevention. During this interactive class, learn about the specialized biology that allows these birds to thrive as scavengers: making sure no scraps go to waste!

    Meet a National Aviary expert who has traveled to South Africa to work on vulture conservation! Discover the variety of threats vultures face from humans, why they matter, and how we can all help to protect them in the wild. As a class, you will visit Condor Court to see the Aviary’s most spectacular vulture residents (and admire their impressive wingspan). You’ll also meet a bird of prey Animal Ambassador up close (that’s right: vultures AREN’T birds of prey!) to understand the similarities AND differences between them. 

    Lianni selfie

    This program is designed specifically for an adult learner audience. Participants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Falconry: The Sport of Kings

SOLD OUT!!! Sat., September 5 | 10 am – 12 pm | Members: $20; Non-Members: $25 | National Aviary General Admission Included

  • Falconry: The Sport of Kings Details
    Travel back in time to learn about a sport that has been around for thousands of years: Falconry!
     
    Discover firsthand the mystique of this ancient practice from National Aviary Licensed Falconer, Cathy Schlott. Learn how humans and birds of prey work together to achieve a common goal and uncover its primitive history – from an overview of regulations to the considerations when selecting a species. PLUS meet an Aviary Animal Ambassador.
     
     

    A Lanner Falcon landing on licensed falconer, Cathy Schlott's outstretched gloved hand.

    Open to participants 10 years or older. Those under 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Virtual Fun: Meet and Tweets!

Brighten your team’s day by having a special guest attend your next video meeting or virtual happy hour! You can schedule a surprise video drop-in with a penguin, parrot, or owl!

Learn More!

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. 

Find information about our fun and engaging camps for all ages here!

In The News

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These Plants Can Turn Your Yard into a Hummingbird Haven (Featuring Insight from National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill) | A-Z Animals

According to Bob Mulvihill, a Lead Ornithologist at The National Aviary, hummingbirds and flowers have spent millennia shaping each other.

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Peregrine falcons start incubating clutch of 4 eggs in Cathedral of Learning nest | WPXI

The National Aviary says Carla started incubating her eggs after laying a third one on Sunday afternoon.

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Peregrine falcon clutch of eggs growing in Cathedral of Learning nest | WPXI

The clutch of peregrine falcon eggs is growing up high on the Cathedral of Learning.

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Peregrine falcons on Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning lay first egg of season | CBS News

The National Aviary, which runs a livestream of the nest, said Carla laid the first egg around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. It's the first of up to six, though the average peregrine falcon clutch is four. 

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