House Sparrows at National Aviary by Lee
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalms 107:8 NKJV)
Give Thanks – Sparrows
Tag Archives: National Aviary
Start Birdwatching Today: Enjoy The Lord’s Paintbrush – Zoos
Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) by Dan at Zoo Miami
I trust you are enjoying our “Start Birdwatching Today!” series. We have been trying to motivate you to go out and observe the many birds around you. This is the second article about “Enjoying The Lord’s Paintbrush” Click for first one.
Seeing as our subtitle is “Birdwatching from a Christian Perspective,” I want to do a few articles that you won’t see in most birding books. We believe that the world and all that its critters were created by the Lord and not evolved.
For thus says the Lord–Who created the heavens, God Himself, Who formed the earth and made it, Who established it and did not create it to be a worthless waste; He formed it to be inhabited–I am the Lord, and there is no one else. (Isaiah 45:18 AMP) O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions— (Psalms 104:24 NKJV) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28 NKJV)
While creating the birds, the Lord has used a fantastic array of colors and designs. I can imagine Him using a fine brush when some of my favorite birds here in America were being dressed for “His pleasure.” Zoos are a fantastic place to see birds that you would have to travel to other countries to see. It is more economical to travel to a Zoo nearby.
The birds at zoos are well cared for and many are being bred to preserve their species. Some birds are so endangered by loss of habitat and other causes, that the only birds left are the ones in the zoos or preserves. We are fortunate to have some very super zoos right here within a day’s drive and our country has many others that are first class also. The birds seen here in this article are some of the fantastically painted birds created by the Lord that Dan and I have seen in Zoos.
Look at the Mandarin Duck at the top. He is related to the Wood Duck up there last week. Another beautiful bird that likes to hide and make it difficult to get a good photo of him. The male is the colorful one and the female is a plain brownish to protect her while on the nest. She is in the background and you can see her painted eyelines.
Now if you have an ugly vulture and want to pretty it up, look at this design on the head of a King Vulture.
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) by Lee at Brevard Zoo
Here are a few more beauties by their Creator: How about these feathers on the Scarlet Macaw?
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Feathers – Brevard Zoo
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) by Lee Brevard Zoo
Or the gorgeous Blue-and-yellow Macaw?
Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna) at Brevard Zoo
My favorite “painted” bird at the Brevard Zoo was this one:
Wrinkled Hornbill (Aceros corrugatus) Brevard Zoo by Lee
Wow!!! Down in Miami at the Wings of Asia aviary at Zoo Miami we were able to see these beautiful birds: The Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo
Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo (Cacomantis castaneiventris) Wings of Asia
Or this cool bird which I call “Joe Cool.” Looks like the Lord painted sunglasses on it.
(Black and White) Sumatran Laughingthrush (Garrulax bicolor) by Lee
An Inca Tern seen at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA:
Inca Tern by Dan at National Aviary
This Victorian-crowned Pigeon is at most of the zoos we have visited. They look like lace was placed on its head.
Victoria Crowned Pigeon by Dan at National Aviary
Back here locally to the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, there are many birds to enjoy. We met a group of our Homeschoolers over there on Friday and had the pleasure of introducing them to my avian friends there. They enjoyed all of them, but had the most fun feeding the beautiful Lorikeets.
Rainbow Lorikeets at Lowry Park Zoo
Homeschoolers at Lowry Park Zoo
Homeschoolers at Lowry Park Zoo
Rainbow Lorikeet at Lowry Pk Zoo by Dan
There are many more that could be shown, but if you”Start Birdwatching Today” with a trip to a zoo or somewhere similiar, you might just be surprised by the beauty and magnificence of the birds. Then thank the Lord for His many blessings to us.
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33 NKJV)
See the whole “Start Birdwatching Today” series *
Birds of the Bible – Tamed
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) at National Aviary by Dan
Last week while Dan and I were visiting the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, FL, the idea for this article began. We were watching the Birds of Prey show that they have daily. We had also watched the Bird shows at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA back in August.
Both places present some very interesting birds and they are not on leashes. The birds have the freedom to move around on their own, yet they do not run or fly away. They may have been spooked at times, in Pittsburgh, and they may have to go get them, but they eventually get them back. Both places had birds flying over the heads of the spectators and doing stunts, yet they were being controlled by the trainers. In other words, they were “tamed.”
Listening to the trainers, they tell how the birds are trained by “positive reinforcement.” The birds are encouraged to perform for a “reward” for doing it right, but are never “punished” for not doing it right. They are just not given a “treat.” So none of the birds are mistreated.
Lowry Pk Zoo Red-legged Seriema with plastic lizard
Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) by Lee at National Aviary
What they do is encourage the bird to perform something that is already one of its behaviors. For instance, both places brought out the Red-legged Seriema, which is a bird of prey, and gave it a plastic lizard. Both birds picked it up and slung it to the floor several times. This is the normal way they kill their prey. So this was an easy task for the birds, yet the trainers had to “train or tame” the bird to where it would do its behavior on command.
The Serierma was just one of many birds doing “behaviors on command” at the Zoo and the Aviary. I felt the breezes of hawks, owls, and an eagle flying just over my head. Below is a Slide show of some of the “tamed” birds at both places.
The Bible only mentions “tame” or “tamed” in two different places. The first is mentioned in Mark 5:3-4 when a man with an unclean spirit, who dwelt in the tombs, “and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.” Jesus healed him.
For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit! (Mark 5:8 NKJV)
In James, we find the verses that tell about the birds being tamed. When we look around, we all can see many incidences of tamed critters and birds. Have you ever seen a critter tame a person? Man was given dominion over the critters in Genesis. Dominion did not mean what some think of today as subjugation, but it was more of use of, care of, learning from, and protecting them. Yet, God made man in His image, therefore man and woman are higher than the critters (all of them), not equal with them as some teach. Man has a “soul” which is accountable to God, the critters do not have a “soul.”
For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (James 3:7 NKJV)
The one thing that has a problem is the “tongue.” James goes on to say,
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:8-10 NKJV)
These are some of the birds used in the shows or out and about with their trainers.
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National Aviary – Hospital, Breeding, and Kitchen Areas
Gracie the retired Chestnut-mandibled Toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii)
One of the special privileges at the National Aviary was the behind the scenes places we were allowed to visit. Sarah, the “Bird Nurse” (Head Keeper of Hospital Care), that we had met the day before, and Steven, the Director of Animal Programs, gave us a grand tour. (See Introduction)
Gracie the retired Chestnut-mandibled Toucan petted by Lee
We started off by visiting the “Geriatric Hospital” where the retired or aging bird’s care is provided. We met, Jamie, the Vetenarian Technician, who works with the birds also. We met “Skippy”, the 23 year old Black-necked Stilt. There were other birds there like, “Gracie”, a Chestnut-mandibled Toucan, which I got to scratch her head. She had performed well over the years, but now is retired. Other retirees were “Smiley”, the White-tailed Trogan; “Stevie”, the Boat-billed Heron; “Hermie”, the Montezuma Oropendola; a Blue-naped Mousebird, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Black-naped Oriole, Goldie’s Lorikeet, Spangled Cotinga, Superb Starling, Collared Kingfisher and one or two others that I missed writing down. My excitement was way up there.
National Aviary Hospital X-ray and Surgery
Down in the basement also was their hospital area where they do any surgery and take x-rays. It was quite well equipped and the physical needs of all the aves that live at the National Aviary are well provided for.
Steven, the Director, then met us and took up to the 2nd floor where his “pride and joy” are housed. That is where the breeding birds were kept. As you may know, many of the zoos and aviaries goal is to help preserve species that are endangered or close to extinction. Not all the birds being bred there were in those categories. The were pairs of Blue-fronted Amazon Parrots, Green Aracaris, Grossbeak Starlings, Cape Thicknees, Palm Cockatoos, Turquoise-fronted Amazons, Golden-crested Mynas, Bali Mynas and Rainbow Lorikeets. Wow! Saw all of them close up. What a thrill.
Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) Breeding Room by Lee
During that day and the next, we also visited the regular aviary hospital and some more “behind the scenes” places. At the Hospital, Sarah showed us some of her current patients like the Black-headed Woodpecker, Pearl-sided Owlet, Call Duck (broken wing), Runner Duck (broken hip), Rhinoceros Hornbill, Micronesian Kingfisher, White-crested Laughingthrush, and a Silkie Chicken.
Who gives food to all flesh, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalms 136:25 NASB)
All of these birds and the one mammal (2-toed Sloth) need to eat. Do they ever eat well! In the Kitchen area they were preparing the next meal for them. Wow! What great looking fresh fruits and vegetables were being prepared. Of course, there are different kinds of bird foods and seeds. We were shown the different crickets, worms and “Super Worms” which are the “worm of choice” by many of the avian eaters. The fresh and frozen “meat” (mouse, chicken, fish, etc.) are kept in walk-in coolers and freezer. These feathered critters are well supplied with their daily bounty.
What an amazing place and honor to be shown so many areas of the National Aviary. Our hearty thanks to Steven, Sarah, Jamie, and all the trainers and staff that made our visit “super special.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that grows on the wall; he spoke also of animals and birds and creeping things and fish. Men came from all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom. (1 Kings 4:32-34 NASB)
Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness. (Psalms 150:2 NASB)
Hope you enjoy the slide show below. Not all the photos are great, but they will give you an idea of what the visit was like. FABULOUS!
See Also:
National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA
Happy Birthday – Skippy at National Aviary
Birdwatching at the National Aviary – Introduction
National Aviary – Penguin Encounter
Birds of the Bible – At the National Aviary
Birdwatching the National Aviary – Grasslands
Birdwatching the National Aviary – Tropical Forest
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Birdwatching the National Aviary – Tropical Forest
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) by Lee NA Feeding
This article is about the numerous birds found in the Tropical Forest Free-flight section at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA. It has taken awhile to find the names of the birds in the pictures we took while we were there. My enthusiastically taken 600 photos has turned into a real challenge. That, and I do have a life.
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) at NA by Dan
The Tropical Forest section has some really interesting birds that I had read about or seen in photos. It was great to be able to get so close to the birds. About the time we arrived there, they were getting ready to do one of the feedings. This really brought the birds out of the trees. Some, the Common Starling, landed right on the bin with the food and started helping himself. My favorite bird there was the Hammerkop, who many got to feed by hand and a close second was the Blue Rollers. They seemed right personable. Of course, I enjoyed all of them and was thrilled to get to watch them.
Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster) by Lee
Probably one of the most colorful birds in the Tropical Forest was the Golden-breasted Starling who was nothing like the Common Starling above. The feathers are iridescent and just shine.
Golden-breasted Starling (Lamprotornis regius) by Lee
I am adding a Slide collection of the birds in the Tropical Forest. They are not of everything, but the ones that turned out good enough to show.
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Birdwatching the National Aviary – Grasslands
Long-tailed Paradise Whydah (Vidua paradisaea)
The National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA is divided into different habitats. The National Aviary, they opened their Grassland exhibit in March of 2010 and here is their description of it. “Inhabiting the Grasslands exhibit are an array of delicate and colorful birds, including Gouldian finches, paradise whydah, Sudan golden sparrows, shaft-tail finches, melba finches, and blue ground doves. The exhibit’s plantscape comprises sea oats, bayberry, birch and dogwood as well as other greenery.”
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. (Psalms 147:7-9 ESV)
Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) (Shaft-tailed) by Dan
Grasslands (also called greenswards) are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants. However, sedge and rush families can also be found. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica. In temperate latitudes, such as northwest Europe and the Great Plains and California in North America, native grasslands are dominated by perennial bunch grass species, whereas in warmer climates annual species form a greater component of the vegetation.
Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain and a way for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a land where no man is, on the desert in which there is no man, to satisfy the waste and desolate land, and to make the ground sprout with grass? (Job 38:25-27 ESV)
There are several types of Grasslands throughout the world. They are basically the: Tropical and subtropical grasslands, Temperate grasslands, Flooded grasslands, Montane grasslands and Desert and xeric grasslands. The Aviary has birds that represent these areas of the world.
Following is a list of the birds that we encountered in the Grasslands at the aviary:
From the Phasianidae – Pheasants, Fowl & Allies Family:
Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul) at NA by Lee
Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar)
Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul)
From the Charidridae – Plovers Family:
American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica) at NA by Lee
American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica)
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
From the Psittacidae – Parrots Family:
Grey Parrot by Dan
Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) (African Grey Parrot)
From the Columbidae – Pigeons, Doves Family:
Inca Dove (Columbina inca) at NA by Lee
Inca Dove (Columbina inca)
From the Muscicapidae – Chats, Old World Flycatchers Family
White-rumped Shama by Lee
White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
From the Passeridae – Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches Family
Sudan Golden Sparrow by Dan
Sudan Golden Sparrow (Passer luteus)
From the Estrididae – Waxbills, Munias & Allies Family:
Long-tailed Finch youngsters by Dan
Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba) (Melba Finch)
Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) (Shaft-tailed Finch)
Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)
From the Viduidae – Indigobirds, Whydahs Family
Long-tailed Paradise Whydah by Dan
Long-tailed Paradise Whydah (Vidua paradisaea) (Paradise Whydah)
From the Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles & Blackbirds Family
Scarlet-headed Blackbird asleep by Lee
Scarlet-headed Blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus)
From the Thraupidae – Tanagers and Allies Family
Saffron Finch by Dan
Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)
I use the I.O.C.’s names, but they are the same birds. I have put the aviary’s name at the end, if it differs.
I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) at NA by Lee
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak, and let the earth hear the words of my mouth. May my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, like gentle rain upon the tender grass, and like showers upon the herb. For I will proclaim the name of the LORD; ascribe greatness to our God! (Deuteronomy 32:1-3 ESV)
Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba) (Melba Finch) at NA by Lee “Proof”
Of David. Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. (Psalms 37:1-5 ESV)
Crested Partridge (Rollulus rouloul) at NA by Lee M-F and Babies
You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth (Psalms 104:14 ESV)
Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) at NA by Lee
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8 ESV)
Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) at NA by Lee
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? (Matthew 6:30 ESV)
(Various quotes are from the Scripture, National Aviary website and Wikipedia. Some of the shots by me are just “proof shots”. They were taken to prove I saw the bird, and some didn’t come out well.)
Birds of the Bible – At the National Aviary
Wattled Curassow (Crax globulosa) by Lee at National Aviary
Birds of the Bible – at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA seems like a logical topic if you have been reading the blog lately. As you may be aware, Dan and I, visited the Aviary a few weeks ago. What a fantastic place to see birds from all around the world. With over 800 birds, there had to be some of the birds mentioned in the Bible.
The Bible says that all birds were created by the Lord, so technically, they all qualify. For this blog, I will confine it to named types of birds. Birds mentioned below are in the same family of the named bird, at least according to the IOC list of Families and Orders.
I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine. (Psalms 50:11 ESV)
And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, And the vulture, and the kite after his kind; Every raven after his kind; And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckow, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, … (Leviticus 11:13-19 KJV)
- Bitterns (Sunbittern)
- Chicken, Hens, and Roosters (Silkie Chicken)
- Cormorant (Double-crested Cormorant)
- Cranes
- Cuckoo (Guira Cuckoo)
- Doves and Pigeons (Bartlett Bleeding Heart Dove, Black-naped Fruit Dove, Blue Ground Dove, Crested Quail Dove, Inca Dove, Wompoo Fruit Dove)
- Pigeons (Blue-crowned Pigeon, Green-naped Pheasant Pigeon, Nicobar Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon (Nutmeg Imperial Pigeon), Scaly-naped Pigeon, Victoria Crowned Pigeon)
- Eagles (Bald Eagle and Steller’s Sea Eagle)
- Falcons (African Pygmy Falcon, American Kestrel)
- Glede and Kites (Black Kite)
- Hawks (Harris Hawk)
- Herons (Boat-billed Heron)
- Hoopoe (Green Wood Hoopoe)
- Lapwing (White-headed Wattled Lapwing)
- Nighthawks and Nightjars (Common Nighthawk)
- Osprey
- Ossifrage (Possibly Lammer-geier)
- Ostrich
- Owls (Spectacled Owl, Eastern Screech Owl)
- Little Owl (Pearl-spotted Owlet,
- Great Owl (Eurasian Eagle Owl-not seen)
- Partridge (Chukar Partridge (Chukar), Crested Wood Partridge)
- Peacocks (Great Argus-not seen, see Partridge above)
- Pelicans (Brown Pelican)
- Quail
- Ravens (American Crow, Blue Jay, Black-throated Magpie Jay,
- Sparrows (Sudan Golden Sparrow)
- Storks
- Swallow
- Swans
- Swift
- Vulture (Hooded Vulture-Didn’t See – Andean Condor-Yes)
Their birds change from time to time and what is seen will change. We saw many more birds, but these are only the Birds mentioned by name in Scripture.
More photos will be added to the slide show as we get more IDs and convert Dan’s to JPG format.
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National Aviary – Penguin Encounter
African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) by Dome at NA by Lee
The National Aviary’s Penguin Point area is home to Stanley, Elvis, Patrick, Simon, Sidney, Preston, Dotty, Kristen, TJ, and Rainbow. At least that is the names of the ones listed on the African Penguin page. We enjoyed taking pictures of them, but did not figure out who was who. The area has a dome that sticks up and you can make your way to it and look at the penguins up “close and personal.” Of course, I had to go check it out. Even caught Dan taking pictures of the penguins while I was inside looking out.
Meet a patient – Jamie-Vet Tech with leg cast
They have several penguin feeding times during the day and a penguin talk – to learn more about the penguins. In the Penguin Point Vestibule they have a “Meet a Patient” talk by one of the “bird medical” staff. There you are told about one of the patients in their hospital. Jamie, the Veterinarian Technician was telling about one of the ducks. He showed a cast used for a broken leg. Unfortunately, we missed most of the talk and only got in on the last part of his presentation.
The African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus), which they have at the Aviary, are the only penguins that breed in Africa. They are also known as Black-footed Penguins. Their home is on the “south-western coast of Africa, living in colonies on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa, with the largest colony on Dyer Island, near Kleinbaai. Because of their donkey-like braying call they were previously named Jackass Penguins. Since several species of South American penguins produce the same sound, the African species has been renamed African Penguin, as it is the only penguin species that breeds in Africa. The presence of the penguin gave name to the Penguin Islands.” (Wikipedia)
African Penguin from inside the dome at NA by Lee
African Penguins are 68-70 cm (26.7-27.5in) tall and weigh 2-5 kg or 4.4-11 lbs. “They have a black stripe and black spots on the chest, the pattern of spots being unique for every penguin, like human fingerprints. They have pink glands above their eyes. The hotter the penguin gets, the more blood is sent to these glands so it may be cooled by the surrounding air, thus making the glands more pink. The males are larger than the females and have larger beaks, but their beaks are more pointed than those of the Humboldt. Their distinctive black and white colouring is a vital form of camouflage–white for underwater predators looking upwards and black for predators looking down onto the dark water.” (Wikipedia) Our Creator has provided a built-in air conditioner and protection for them.
I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. (Psalms 50:11 KJV)
At one time the African Penguin population had 1.5 million members, but because of threats such as egg gathering, or egg smashing, taking their burrowing material for fertilizer, oil spills and other threats, the number was only 10% of that by 2000. The natural predators include “sharks, cape fur seals and, on occasion, orcas. Land-based enemies include mongoose, genet, domestic cats and dogs – and the kelp gulls which steal their eggs and new born chicks. I don’t know for a fact, but their decline to a “vulnerable species” is probably why they are at the National Aviary and also the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida (we saw some there also). They are trying to protect and breed them.
How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end. (Jeremiah 12:4 KJV)
African Penguins are in the Spheniscidae Family of the Sphenisciformes Order. They are the only family in the Order and have 19 species of penguins.
See Also:
Ian’s Bird of the Week – African Penguin
Interesting Things – Why Birds Don’t Wear Socks
Here are the pictures we took of the penguins at the National Aviary.
Information from Wikipedia and National Aviary website.
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(Spheniscus demersus)
Birdwatching at the National Aviary – Introduction
Fountain at National Aviary
Dan and I visited the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, PA two weeks ago. What a fantastic place. Waited until we were back home and could sort through our photos. I took over 600 in the 2 days we visited and not sure how many Dan took. (His are better, of course.)
National Aviary Hospital – Sarah the “Bird Nurse”
We arrived early the day before and could not check in to the motel, so we had some time to look around. After lunch, we ended up in a bookstore, where we met, Sarah, the “Bird Nurse” at the National Aviary. When she found out we had come up there just to see the Aviary, she offered to show us things behind the scenes when we got there the next day. I was more excited that a child waiting for Christmas morning to arrive. Hardly slept that night. I praise the Lord for letting us meet up with her and know it was not just an “accident.”
By the time we arrived, the Director, Steven, had been informed about our visit and offered to show us around also. Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers there that made our visit so special. The National Aviary is definitely a “Must See” for birdwatchers.
It is hard to know where to begin, so I’ve decided to break our visit up into the different areas and do a blog on each one. This blog is an introduction to the National Aviary itself.
The history of the Aviary tells of its growth from a conservatory at an old Penitentiary site, with an Aviary added later. It was the first zoo to have free-flight rooms. In the 80’s they began focusing on “wildlife conservation through captive breeding of rare and endangered birds.” The 90’s saw the aviary closed, then re-open as a private nonprofit corporation. In 1992, “By declaration of the U.S. Congress, the Pittsburgh Aviary was designated honorary national status and renamed the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.
Throughout the day they have various events going on, depending on the day of the week and weather or other conditions. We were able to take in the Wetlands Feeding and Rainstorm, Feed the Lories, FliteZone – Raptors and the Parrots (missed some of the birds due to an activity outside the aviary that was unsettling the birds), Tropical Forest Feeding, Meet a Patient, We missed some things, but got to see things others don’t get to see (more on that later).
Inca Tern (Larosterna inca) at NA by Dan
The Aviary has over 600 birds from different parts of the world. See: Our Birds. Since I have worked with the Birds of the World here on this site, it was great to be able to see many of the birds in person that were just names and photos. Many, close-up!
When you arrive at the Aviary, you are welcomed by some sculptures, a fountain, and a Rose Garden. There were also some local birds hanging around like sparrows and pigeons. I am sure at other times of the year there are other avian visitors.
The Laughing Kookaburra was also outside to greet the visitors to the Aviary. One of the workers help me get a short clip of him laughing.
What a joy we had visiting! It was much more than I thought it would be.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (Matthew 7:7 KJV)
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38 NKJV)
See:
Dan’s Photos so far on his Website – Dan’sPix
Happy Birthday- Skippy at National Aviary
These photos are of some of the shows and the outside area.
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Happy Birthday – Skippy at National Aviary
"Skippy" - Black-necked Stilt
Today is the 23rd birthday of “Skippy” the Black-necked Stilt. We met him on Friday at the National Aviary in Pittsburg, PA. Dan and I had the privilege of visiting the National Aviary recently and thoroughly enjoyed our two days we spent there. “Skippy” is not on exhibit, but is behind the scenes and well taken care of by the hospital staff.
We were given some very special treatment at the Aviary and were allowed to see several of their “behind-the-scenes” operations. The hospital, breeding room, kitchen, an outdoor exhibit (closed right now) and other places were shown. I am thankful for meeting the “bird nurse” the day before our visit at a book store. I was looking at the bird books (of course) when I met Sarah. Long story short, she told us that she would show us around and did she ever. This is just the first of the articles to be written about the Aviary.
National Aviary Hospital
We were in the Hospital section where the older birds are kept. These are ones who have been active in shows or have just been there a long time and are sort of in their “geriatric” stage of life. The birds there are kept comfortable and their health is maintained as well as can be. They are all very special and each had a story attached to them. I sort of felt right a home in there, since I have my fair share of aches and pains as I age.
We met “Skippy” who is kept in an area that has a fence (around it to create a pen). I may not get all the details right (I’m getting old, remember), but when his life long mate died, he wanted to give up and was very sad. That caused his health to deteriorate and he ended up in the “hospital.” In memory of his sweetheart, they had painted a mural on the wall. One day he discovered the painting of his mate and parked right there beside it. His health started improving. They decided to put a fence around that area and that is where we found him the other day.
Today is Skippy’s birthday and he turns 23. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SKIPPY! He is one of the longest known living Black-necked Stilts. The photo shows him beside the painting of his mate and a part of his pen. There is a mirror hanging there which he love to look in.
Black-necked Stilt at Circle B Bar Reserve by Lee
Black-necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) are in Recurvirostridae Family which includes Avocets and Stilts. There are only 11 species in the family. They are in the Charadriiformes Order. This Stilt is a locally abundant shorebird of American wetlands and coastlines. We see them quite frequently around our area. I saw my first one in 2000 in the Rockport, TX.
“Adults have long pink legs and a long thin black bill. They are white below and have black wings and backs. The tail is white with some grey banding. A continuous area of black extends from the back along the hindneck to the head. There, it forms a cap covering the entire head from the top to just below eye-level, with the exception of the areas surrounding the bill and a small white spot above the eye. Males have a greenish gloss to the back and wings, particularly in the breeding season. This is less pronounced or absent in females, which have a brown tinge to these areas instead. Otherwise, the sexes look alike. (From Wikipedia)
They usually have 3-5 young and both of them take turn incubating the eggs for 22-26 days. The young can be swimming within 2 hours of birth. Check out the Aviary’s webpage on the Black-necked Stilt for more information about it.
Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? (Job 35:11)
Is it wrong to be sad when someone dies? I think Skippy was only showing his love and concern for the bird he had spent so much time with.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him (Lazarus)? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! (John11:33-36)
Lee's Birdwatching Adventures Plus 