... I find it odd that while I've seen plenty, I've never actually touched or gotten within five feet of a bird before.

What about at a zoo?

A Zoo?

A zoo holds animals so you can view them safely. They usually have a reptile and/or bird exhibit. Our zoo has both.

Oh.

Well to be honest, never been to one.

... Does an aquarium count?

Well, sure.. but you shouldn't be able to see birds at an aquarium.

Some aquariums have a bird exhibit that has birds you see on the coast.

Oh.. cool. I've been to one aquarium before. Didn't get to see the whole place though.

The aquamrium I'm talking about is in newport

New Jersey, right?