WitchHazel Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 My brother is 50 shortly, and I though I might get him a Falconry Day experience (or a half day). I'm overwhelmed by the choice of vendors, so I thought I'd see if anyone has any personal recommendations. We live in Berkshire, but would be happy to travel a reasonable distance. I'd like to make sure it includes plenty of hands-on experience, but I haven't any fixed ideas about whether his wife (who is petrified of birds) would accompany him as a spectator, or whether someone else (me, my DH or my other brother) would go with him and participate as well. Any recommendations? Or -do-not-recommends? EDITED TO ADD: we have family near Lampeter in Wales, so we can also travel a reasonable way from there to a suitable location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourbecameeight Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I would recommend Fallow Field Falconry in Oxfordshire http://www.fallowfieldsfalconry.co.uk/index.html My two children had a Groupon voucher in December for two hours of hand on flying and the man was lovely and the birds well cared for. My husband and I both watched for a small charge. He does a be a falconer for a day and hunting with the birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I did falconry at Center Parcs Longleat, it was a fantastic experience and we got to handle a few different birds or prey including a fab absolutely dense owl who was useless at everything I think Center Parcs do day passes but not sure if they still do the falconry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted June 6, 2011 Author Share Posted June 6, 2011 Thank you 4b8 and Tasha, I'll look at both of those options Hazel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 It's probably too far, but I went to Coniston Cold on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales near Malham and it was absolutely wonderful!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Well, their "experiences" aren't true falconry as such, and they state that in as many words. However, I'd be happy to recommend the Hawk Conservancy Trust just outside Andover. My wife wanted to go as her birthday treat (just to visit, not as a particular "experience"), and when we parked up outside and looked at the wooden buildings around the car park, we had a few misgivings, thinking this would be another of those back-garden attractions that take half an hour before you've seen everything. However, they have so many displays throughout the day that it's difficult to get to the end of the day without wondering where the time went. The setup is very professional, the birds are obviously happy and contented, the staff are enthusiastic and the Trust's reputation speaks for itself. Given all this, I would be amazed if one of their "experiences" wasn't all their web site says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I'd did the experience at Center Parcs Longleat. It was very good but not overly long but I suppose they can't be that long in terms of bird handling. My teenage children have visited the Hawk Conservancy a couple of times and have raved about the place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 We went to the Falconry Centre at Hagley nr Birmingham and had a fantastic day. It was just CTB and I so we got up close and personal to all the birds. In the afternoon we took a hawk out into the countryside and spent a manic couple of hours in the forest keeping up with it while it hunted! THe best thing I remeber about the day though is driving out to the forest with this harris hawk sat on my lap in the car looking out of the window - you should have seen peoples faces Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I would recommend Fallow Field Falconry in Oxfordshire http://www.fallowfieldsfalconry.co.uk/index.html My two children had a Groupon voucher in December for two hours of hand on flying and the man was lovely and the birds well cared for. My husband and I both watched for a small charge. He does a be a falconer for a day and hunting with the birds. My brother and his girlfriend went there last year and really enjoyed the day The photos they took of the birds were amazing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I haven't been to the Hawk Conservancy, but my Mum and 8 year old Nephew have. They absolutely loved it! Definitely worth a recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 Can't help with suggestions as I did my Falconry experience day here in West Sussex, and it was fab, but out of your area. Sidetracking just a little if anyone is near Puy Du Fou in France this year, do go...it's a great day out and their falconry display is far and away the best I have ever seen...( it even includes vultures!) absolutely mesmerising http://www.puydufou.com/en#/phantom-birds/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyfeet Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 I went to the Hawk Conservancy place and absolutely loved it. Got to fly a Battleur(sp?) Eagle called Matilda and had a fabulous day. The flying display is brilliant especially when they get specific people to stand up/on the benches and the birds weave in between - you can feel the wingtips touch your face as they go past. A definite recommendation from here D x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted June 6, 2011 Share Posted June 6, 2011 The daft thing is, I only live 5 minutes from it. Will go this year I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourbecameeight Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 There is a offer on groupon today under oxford ( www.groupon.co.uk) for falconry and outdoor pursuits for £39 should have been £150 at Fallow Fields. The voucher would need to be bought today but expires 8th September. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted June 7, 2011 Author Share Posted June 7, 2011 THanks for your replies everyone, I;m checking all of them out. Major B - you are right - I used the term "Falconry", when I should have said "Birds of Prey". I'm definitely looking for something where my brother gets to actually fly the birds. Thanks again everyone, any more suggestions? please keep them coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 Another fan of the Hawk Conservancy here - possibly not for the special day flying the birds, but great for anyone interested in raptors. I learned to fly birds of prey when I volunteered at a local wildlife hospital - it's a fab thing to do ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted June 7, 2011 Share Posted June 7, 2011 Leeds Castle in Kent do fantastic falconry displays, and offer days experience. also Eynsham Heights in north Kent. from years ago, can recommend the Hawk Conservancy near Andorver. note to self: add falconry day to xmas list... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted June 8, 2011 Author Share Posted June 8, 2011 Hi Yvonne. Out of interest, why " possibly not for the special day flying the birds ?H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 A friend of mine has done this one, local to us. It's something I've always wanted to do, so I'd be interested to hear which you choose and how it turns out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted June 8, 2011 Author Share Posted June 8, 2011 Thanks for the replies everyone, I've now got plenty of choice and the reassurance that each one I look at has been recommended. I'll let you know what I decide H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 Hi WitchHazel The reason I said that the Hawk Conservancy may not be the best for actually flying the birds is because I have only been there as a visitor and it's a bit like a very well run zoo for mainly raptors (that said I've not been for a few years). There is loads of info and loads of birds and they seem to do a lot for conservation and awareness of problems such as poisoning worldwide. What I'm not sure of is whether they actually allow members of the public to fly the birds (other than simply allowing kids (and me!) to hold out a gloved hand for one to land). They do/did put on quite a good display with birds and horses as a re-enactment of medieval hunting techniques. It's a great day out, but not sure you can have much hands-on time. Hope this helps Yvonne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 Hi WitchHazelThe reason I said that the Hawk Conservancy may not be the best for actually flying the birds is because I have only been there as a visitor and it's a bit like a very well run zoo for mainly raptors (that said I've not been for a few years). There is loads of info and loads of birds and they seem to do a lot for conservation and awareness of problems such as poisoning worldwide. What I'm not sure of is whether they actually allow members of the public to fly the birds (other than simply allowing kids (and me!) to hold out a gloved hand for one to land). They do/did put on quite a good display with birds and horses as a re-enactment of medieval hunting techniques. It's a great day out, but not sure you can have much hands-on time. Hope this helps Yvonne Certainly when we went for a family visit, there was the opportunity to stick on a glove and let a bird take off/land on it, but that was just an integral part of the various daily events going on. The full/half day experiences they sell, and that are listed on their web site, are something separate, and they do indeed allow someone to fly a bird. However, not having done that myself, I can't comment further beyond my impressions of the place as a whole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 Aha, I didn't realise that the Hawk Conservancy offers "experience" days now - I imagine they would be good - they certainly seem to have the welfare of the birds at heart. Do report back if you go please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 note to self: add falconry day to xmas list... Yes this thread is reminding me how much I enjoyed my day. If you can imagine a Shopping Trolley approaching you and landing on your arm, that was my experience with the European Eagle Owl, but what fabulous fabulous critters! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
