Tracy Aviary's schedule of winter events, bird shows and new exhibits will provide educational and fun opportunities to observe a wide variety of birds including pelicans, eagles and a kookaburra.
"Our new bird shows and exhibits are exciting and different because the birds appear to be in charge," said Deana Walz, Tracy Aviary's avian education manager. "Our goal is to let the birds entertain and educate guests with little direction from our trainers. The shows are very interactive with lots of opportunity for audience participation." Tracy is the largest aviary in the United States, located in Salt Lake City's Liberty Park.
The winter festivities are kicking off with new pelican feedings every day at 1 p.m. All guests are invited to gather on the bridge and get up close to the flock of 12 American white pelicans. "An avian trainer will share lots of fun facts about these big and beautiful birds, each of which has a unique personality, said Walz." At this time of year they are especially beautiful as they develop brilliant facial colors and other unique features. For only $2, feeding these graceful birds is an experience to remember," said Walz.
Avian Idol is one of the aviary's newest attractions slated to begin Jan. 5. The indoor show features exotic and interesting birds sharing their talents such as silent flight, kicking an egg out of a nest and playing a log as a drum to mark territory. The audience will vote on its favorite performing bird and name the next Avian Idol. The new bird show will be located inside the historic Chase Mill every weekend at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The performing birds will vary from week to week but will include several varieties of owl, a kookaburra, an umbrella cockatoo and others. "Each Avian Idol performance will feature a different combination of birds to make it more enjoyable for guests to attend multiple shows," added Walz. "And the performances are free with aviary admission."