National Aviary displays life-size carvings of Passenger Pigeon and two other extinct birds, hosts reception with the artist (National Aviary)

(Source: National Aviary) 11/3/2014 November 3, 2014 (Pittsburgh, PA) - Now through December, area institutions mark the extinction of a once abundant bird in Pennsylvania with Project Passenger Pigeon Pittsburgh. Once numbering in the billions, this species was driven to extinction in just 40 years' time. In commemoration, life-size carvings of eight extinct bird species, designed by artist Tom Duran, have been installed at five area venues-The National Aviary, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, Winnie Palmer Nature Center at St. Vincent College, and Powdermill Nature Reserve-where they will remain on exhibit through December. Coupled with public programs,...