Field Trip!: Visit to the National Aviary

It's the Fourth of July weekend, and what could be more appropriate than spending some quality time with Uncle Sam and, er, Aunt Samantha up there-- a couple of real-and-for-true American bald eagles?

As you may know, I had my friend Josette, who I've known since grade school, visiting these last few days, and I always like to try to take her to some of the unique things Pittsburgh has to offer. This year was a trip to our National Aviary. So I figured folks who like to feather their nests might also enjoy seeing how a few of our winged friends do the same. Just as a change of pace, donchaknow.

Then Wednesday I'll take you with us as we go antiquing in Eastern Ohio.

Regarding America's befeathered icon, the Aviary had three, with these two having a tete-a-tete in a large enclosure. This would be my first time getting a chance to see these noble birds in real life. There's an innate expression of firm intelligence that marks that bird's face...

...Reminds me a little of one of my former college professors!

Some macaws were also very happy to pose for the camera. In fact, this hyacinth macaw spent a bit of time nodding in enthusiastic agreement at my friend Scoobie, who'd joined us on this journey. The macaw either really liked Scoobie, or could see his reflection in her glasses and realized he was indeed a very pretty bird.


Hyacinth's red-and-green counterpart was equally fascinated, though a bit more shy...


Lovely plumage!

And here's another one of our feathered friends-- I couldn't track down what this fellow was-- but he was getting a bit territorial with that "other bird" reflected in the glass doors that separated bird habitats. You can see him here challenging that fellow in the mirror...


One of the nice things about the way the aviary was set up, was there were plenty of opportunities for interaction. There were birds on the ground at our feet...


In the trees....


In the water....



And even in the rafters, like these scarlet ibis...



And with that, and at risk of you all giving ME the bird for having such a short post today, I must fly away now.

If you missed last week's Treasure Box Wednesday post, click here.

And otherwise, I hope to see you this coming Wednesday as Josette, Scoobie and I go Ohio antiquing or bust!

PS-- For anyone curious why my one friend has been nicknamed Scoobie...


There's a minor Scooby-doo collecting compulsion. These were just her winnings from the Dave & Busters arcade! Zoinks!

Have a great start to your week, my friends.