Bird of Prey Falconry Experience

Fantastic time meeting different birds of prey and getting to handle them. Flying them over the open countryside was something that I'll never forget.

One of the best gifts I've ever received. It was a glorious sunny day, but even the sun could not match the beauty and majesty of these stunning birds of prey. Great location and the staff were kind and friendly, but the birds themselves were the star of this show. A must for anyone who appreciates nature at its best. Well done Red Letter Days!!!

What a great day! A warm welcome and a relaxed, informal but professional approach by all the staff ensured that we had the best day possible. The displays were magnificent and the hands-on hawking experience was wonderful - a real close-up with some of nature's finest birds of prey. I would love to do it again.

It was all go from the minute we got there. Jennie was the person showing all the birds and flying them. We had several birds that we flew ourselves and I found the experience to be unique to me. She was very patient, especially with myself, who being left handed, had problems with the falconer's knot. She was very good with all the birds and obviously very knowledgable. Just one hint, when you go on one of these visits, make sure you take plenty of layers as it was rather cool. All in all the experience was outstanding and run by people who are very professional. It was a day I will always remember.

Can't believe that I had a golden eagle sitting on my arm.This should be on everyone's 'bucket list'!

From the start to the finish we were holding, flying, feeding and learning about the birds. There wasn't a time when we weren't interacting with them and this to me was the highlight. We learned about them whilst flying them, not in a classroom, and it was amazing. The birds we flew (harris hawks) are really beautiful and real characters. One kept landing on my head, which I thought would hurt or be scary but it was neither. I obviously look a bit like a fencepost. We spent so much time with them that by the end I didn't really want to hand my bird back. The birds are graceful, powerful, sociable and really good fun. It was a fantastic experience and one that I'll remember for a long time.

I had a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating day. To be up close and personal to a beautiful bird of prey was a real privilege. The staff were very helpful and informative and made my day a truly memorable one. Thank you very much!

I received a Red Letter Day 'Bird of Prey Experience' and went to the Falconry Centre in Auchterarder, Scotland. It was so easy to book online and the directions to the centre were really straightforward. I had a truly amazing day, the experience is not something I would've thought to do myself which made it all the more exciting. The staff were incredible, very friendly and informative but the birds were truly the stars of the show - to get so close and be able to handle them gave me a sense of what phenomenal creatures they are. I enjoyed my experience so much that I'm already planning to do it again but next time I'll be sure to take some friends with me so they can join in the fun too.

I have always been interested in birds and birds of prey especially. I won an experience voucher from work and it was better than any bonus I could get from work. We spent time learning about the different birds and how to handle them. But the highlight of the day for me was the walk. We went out with three Hen Harriers and flew them. Watching them in their natural habitat. There is no better sight then a bird of prey flying towards your glove ready to land on it. This was a truly magical experience and I was honoured to spent my time with these wonderful birds.

This was actually my son's 18th birthday present, I got some great pictures of a very happy young man, he found the whole experience fascinating and his only disappointment was not being able to smuggle Nibbles the vulture home with him!! Highly recommended.

From the start, when guides Jane and Nick introduced themselves, the day was superbly organised. The display, with birds swooping at speed low over your heads, catching food in mid flight, is so impressive. Then to hold an owl, letting it fly between pairs of us, then bringing it back is an excellent start to the actual handling experience. Then on to the education block for a coffee and chat. Then handling the Harris Hawk as it swoops onto the tree branches and back to your glove. Then the (noisy!) Barn Owl with its magnificent colouration. Then to see the new-born baby Kite in the hospital - all fluff and requests for food! What really made the day for me was the knowledge that the handlers have of ALL the birds of prey: from the minutiae of sex identification in species to their willingness to answer questions and chat about anything and everything.

The experience was bought for my 14th birthday by my Mum and Dad. It was the best birthday present I have ever received and as a mad animal/wildlife person you couldn't get a better recommendation! The Falconry Centre staff (hello Matt) were fantastic, the group was only small and it was hands on from the start. A truly wonderful morning in a fantastic setting. Thank you very much.

Not knowing what to expect, my guest and I were amazed to find such a variety of wildlife at Eagle Heights in Kent. The Bird of Prey experience itself was really great and our instructor was very professional but at the same time very friendly. The instructions we had were given in a simple and easy to understand way and with a small group of three we were soon out with our individual birds, my one was called Josh, learning how to handle and fly them. I spent a great 3 hours walking through the Kent countryside flying my Harris Falcon and enjoying the conversation and company of my fellow falconers. A truly memorable experience and a great Christmas present.

I have wanted to do falconry for about 20 years now so my expectations were set pretty high. This experience was exactly what I wanted plus more. The whole day was magical and informative from start to finish and even my fiance who was spectating loved it and can't stop talking about it.
The birds were just beautiful and impressive and the workers there knew everything and answered all questions and managed to make the day absolutely fantastic. Thank you very much for making a childhood dream a reality.

I rang the Red Letter Days call centre to explain that I'd lost my paperwork for my day. Within a few minutes I had been sent them and I was on my way, THANK YOU. We arrived and were very warmly greeted. The people were very kind and showed a lot of patience and love for their chosen place of work. The lady taking the course was fantastic, my girlfriend and I were treated with the utmost respect at all times and my interest in Falconry has grown. Thank you for a most incredible experience.

After an introductory talk about falconry we had the opportunity to handle three different birds and then flew a Harris Hawk to and from the glove. We then watched the daily flying show open to the general public. This included a falcon, an eagle, owls, vultures and finally kites. Not all the birds behaved as hoped, just proving that the birds remain free spirits and only work with the falconer when it is to their benefit! Overall it was a great introduction. The staff were all friendly and obviously enjoy their work. They welcomed questions, even the silly ones, and provided us all with a memorable experience. A great Red Letter Day.

I received this gift for my 40th birthday. What a wonderful experience, it was far more hands on than I ever expected, everyone taking part actually had a bird of their own to interact with. Flying them from the glove and enticing them back again was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I enjoyed every moment and am even considering the 5 day course.

This is something that I have always wanted to do and it certainly didn't disappoint. The instructors were friendly, funny and informative and flying the Harris Hawks was an unforgettable and rewarding experience. I would certainly recommend it to anyone and hopefully will get a chance to do it again myself.

The staff were exceptionally welcoming and were very knowledgeable about the birds. The very best part of the day was that they did not lecture us about each bird - they realised the important part was the handling, and to that effect they allowed us to fly the birds for as long as possible. I flew a barn owl, a harris hawk, a vulture and a milky eyed owl, all of which were beautiful and very well cared for. I will certainly be buying this experience for friends and family as it was so special to be up close with such magnificent creatures.

The first bird we handled was the Milky Eagle Owl, who was very vocal but truly amazing. We then moved onto flying a hooded vulture named 'Jack Sparrow' - again brilliant. Our finale was to fly Harris Hawks. Mine decided that the small chicken leg we were feeding it was not enough, so after I let her fly, she immediately caught a pigeon, leaving one of the staff to climb a tree to retrieve both Harris Hawk and dead pigeon! It was a brilliant 3 hours. The dedication and enthusiasm that the staff had for their work was inspiring. I would recommend this experience to anyone.

This was a truly exhilarating experience which left us (we went as a family group) on a high for days. There is something unique about being able to get very close to wild creatures. Almost as soon as we arrived, we were given a vulture to handle. The two members of staff who looked after us helped make the experience: their knowledge of the birds but most of all their enthusiasm was inspiring. After a few hours, we were confidently flying hawks and even raced them against each other which was great fun. After the experience itself, we had lunch then stayed at the Centre for the rest of the day to watch various flying displays. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone (adult, young person or family group) who wants to do something really different and unforgettable.

Even though our day was cancelled due to the weather, we had a fantastic time. The staff made it such a memorable day. Having been in touch with the centre to suprise my girlfriend with my proposal, when we had news of the cancellation I thought 'what can I do?' - lucky I was offered a free visit to the centre and was told we could fly an owl indoors. My girlfriend did not know the owl was carrying a message asking her to marry me. Thanks to everyone at the centre for a fantastic day and we look forward to coming back and taking part in the experience in September. By the way she said yes!

The experience was brilliant. You were in contact with the hawks for the full duration.

I had a wonderful time - the small group and the enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise of our falconer made it a day to remember.

I purchased this experience for my dad for a Christmas present. I spoke to him the next morning and he said that it was one of the best days he had ever had. The location was amazing and the actual experience was so amazing. The birds are really cared for and the knowledge of the falconer was exceptional.

Enjoyable day and a good venue for all the family with very friendly staff.

The staff were very friendly and enthusiastic.

Completely different to anything I had experienced before and something I would not otherwise have tried. Well organised and delivered everything that was promised. Being literally nose to beak with a magnificent bird of prey, such as an owl or hawk, perched on your arm is a real privilege and something I will long remember.

It was a really good afternoon and as it is kept to a small number it gives you time to handle the birds and gives the staff time to talk to you.

This was a birthday present given to me and I chose this experience as it was unusual, that and the fact I like all animals. The gentleman who booked the experience over the phone was very patient and helpful. Excellent service.