Birds of Prey West Yorkshire

What Can I Expect

Meet the birds of prey at Pontefract in West Yorkshire! On these experiences you'll get to meet an array of birds of prey, with options to go on a hawk walk, fly owls, take an introductory course, or even spend a half day at this centre near Leeds.

You'll meet Kira, the birds' owner, breeder, trainer and handler. A gifted and incredibly passionate falconer, Kira has a very gentle manner with the birds and it's clear to see she has built a fantastic relationship with her raptors. Witnessing this as they work together is truly captivating.

And Kira has quite a family here in Pontefract. As well as her captive bred birds of prey, there are also rescued raptors who have been nursed back to health. Kira studied raptor rehabilitation in South Africa, before returning to her native West Yorkshire to set up her own aviaries.

You might meet Libby the African Spotted Eagle Owl, Bungle the Eagle Owl, Tilly the loveable Barn Owl, Kobie the gorgeous bright-eyed Harris Hawk and even Geoff the Hawk. He has a rather special story to tell, being one of Kira's rescue birds…we'll let her tell you the rest and how he ended up convalescing in West Yorkshire!

This falconry centre in West Yorkshire is open all year round and Kira will be only too pleased to welcome you to her world of birds of prey near Pontefract. Each session is run exclusively for you, either as an individual or a small group of up to five with you and your family or friends. You'll learn lots, hear some nice little anecdotes and get to actively fly these stunning creatures to your hand too.

What's Included

• A bird of prey experience set in beautiful Yorkshire countryside around Pontefract
• All experiences begin with a safety briefing with your falconer
• Sessions are run on an exclusive basis

Birds of Prey Handling

• Handle a range of birds of prey including; Barn owls, harris hawks and eagle owls
• Allow up to one hour for this experience

Owl Encounter

• Fly handle and feed a range of owls including; Barn owls, African spotted eagle owls and European eagle owls
• Allow two hours for this experience

Hawk Walk

• Head out on a hawk walk through woodland and local countryside with your very own harris hawk
• You will have full control of the hawk with a falconer on hand for advise and to answer questions
• Allow 2-2.5 hours for this experience

Half Day Falconry

• Spend the morning meeting the team and the falconer at the farm
• During the session you will fly, handle and feed a range of birds including owls and hawks
• Lunch will be provided on the day
• Allow three hours for this experience

When Is It Available

Suitable For

• Minimum age 12
• Under 16s must be accompanied by a participating adult

Spectators

• Spectators are welcome for a small additional charge payable on the day
• £5 per person for the handling and owl encounters, £10 per person for the hawk walk and the half day falconry

Anything Else

• Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear should be worn