What Can I Expect
Birds of prey in Bedfordshire - get up close to the raptors at this family-run business on this activity farm near Bedford. We have several different falconry experiences for you to choose from.
The collection of birds in Bedfordshire numbers about 300, including some rare and endangered species from around the world. The courses offer all levels of involvement, from a simple taste of handling birds of prey, to more advanced falconry training and half-day hunts with hawks.
You have a choice of two-hour birds of prey encounter experiences in Bedfordshire, all of which give you the chance to handle and fly a variety of birds of prey. The emphasis is on a "hands on" approach for these great value sessions.
The Hawking Half Day introduces you to the thrill of the chase, as you hunt live quarry with Harris Hawks. If you don't wish to take part in a proper hunt, you can choose to enjoy a hawk walk around the Bedfordshire countryside with no live animals as prey.
The full-day falconry experience starts with an informative insight into falconry, the different types of hawks and falcons that will be flown that day, as well as getting to meet and hold some of the wonderful species of birds of prey that call Bedfordshire home.
This will be followed by lunch in the centre's restaurant (not included in the price). In the afternoon there is a practical demonstration on free flying the hawks, falcons and owls. The highlight of your day will be the opportunity to fly birds yourself under supervision and even meeting the Vultures!
Buy vouchers online now for your choice of birds of prey experience at this long-established centre near Bedford.
What's Included
- Home to one of the largest collections of Birds of Prey in the UK
- Variety of species, owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and even pelicans
Two Hour Encounter , choose from the following options:
- Eagles - Meet, handle and fly a selection of Eagles such as the American Bald Eagle, Blue Chilean Eagle, African Fish Eagle & Golden Eagle
- Owl Encounter - Experience the owls silent flight and handle a selection of the birds. Birds flown include Barn Owls, Eagle Owls and Scops Owl plus many more.
- Owls and Eagles - Handle and fly different species of owls and eagles including Barn Owl, American Bald Eagle, European Eagle Owl, African Fish Eagle, Great Grey Owl, Blue Chilean eagle and more
Hawking Half Day
- The day starts at 9:30 for coffee
- Guests are introduced to the falconers who will give instructions to you regarding the safety procedures required for handling the birds and it is important that these guidelines are followed correctly
- All guests will learn some of the skills necessary for successful hunting and quarry includes rabbit, pheasant and other game
- You will then be introduced to your Hawk before leaving the centre for a short walk to the Hawking site for the day
- At all times you will be under the supervision of a falconer
- You will experience the thrill of the chase when hunting quarry using a team of Harris Hawks which work well together with both each other and man
- All the specialised equipment you will need is provided
Birds of Prey Full Day Encounter
- Your day starts with meeting your falconer for the day
- A short tour of the centre to see the many different species of birds
- Chance to ask questions any personal favourites
- The morning will be spent handling various types of Owls, including the Barn owl and Tawny Owl, European Eagle Owl, Great Grey Owl and more
- Under careful supervision, you will have the opportunity to witness and fly the birds yourself
- 1-2pm lunch (not provided)
- Following lunch you will go on to handle and fly different species of eagles, hawks and falcons, as well as meeting the vultures and watching one of the flying displays
- There will be ample opportunity for you to take photos with any birds of your choice.
- It should be remembered that this is not a course to teach you how to become a falconer or to keep birds of prey, but a fun day
- On the two hour courses there will be a maximum of six participants per experience working with one expert falconer
- On the full day and hawking courses there will be a maximum of four participants per experience
