Take the Kids to See Lorikeets Before They Migrate

The stars of the special “Lorikeets” exhibit will be migrating south soon, so the staff at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk issued a reminder that visitors have only a few more days to interact with the colorful tropical birds at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

“Lorikeets” is open through Sept. 2 (Labor Day) in a special aviary on the Aquarium’s riverfront courtyard.

“School will be starting soon in Connecticut, but there’s still time for some family fun,” said marketing director Chris Loynd in a release. “Our ‘Lorikeets’ exhibit offers the chance for families to get close – through the shared experience of getting close to these beautiful birds.”

The exhibit features more than 50 free-flying lorikeets, which are medium-sized parrots that come in a dazzling rainbow of colors. They’re native to the South Pacific.

Lorikeets feed on nectar and – in The Maritime Aquarium’s exhibit – are especially drawn to visitors who purchase a small cup of the sweet brew. The birds will land on your hand, arm, shoulder … even your head … for the chance to be fed.

“The expressions of visitors – young and old, when they have a bird land on them – are wonderful,” Loynd said. “So many people take pictures with their cellphones that we created a hashtag on Twitter and have encouraged everyone to ‘tweet the ’keet.’ ”

For Twitter users, the images can be viewed – and new photos can still be posted – using the hashtag #tweetkeet.

After Labor Day, the birds will return south to their owners, Gulf Coast Butterflies of Naples, Fla.

Get more details about “Lorikeets," other exhibits, events and IMAX movie schedule on The Maritime Aquarium website, by calling(203) 852-0700 or logging ontowww.maritimeaquarium.org.