Calabria: Birds of Prey Interactive Falconry Experience

Summary

Meet eagle owls & golden eagles in Calabria’s wild heart

You’ll step into Calabria’s wild side with this interactive birds of prey course—meet eagle owls and buzzards up close, slip on a falconer’s glove for your own encounter, and hear stories from local guides as you wander an easy path through their naturalistic center. It’s gentle enough for all ages but still gives you that flutter-in-the-chest feeling you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the hush — not silence, exactly, but that soft rustle you get in pine woods after rain. We’d just arrived at Setteventi del Pollino, somewhere between the mountains and the edge of Calabria’s sky. There was a faint smell of earth and feathers in the air. Our guide, Giulia, waved us over with a falconer’s glove dangling from her wrist. She had this way of talking about the birds — like she knew them as neighbors. I remember Shira, the eagle owl, blinking at us with those impossible orange eyes. I tried not to stare too much but it’s hard not to.

The whole interactive birds of prey course felt more like wandering into someone’s story than a lesson. Giulia told us about Zeus (the buzzard who apparently steals snacks if you’re not careful) and Cloud, a barn owl who seemed both shy and curious at once. She let us touch one of Cloud’s feathers — softer than I expected, almost like velvet if velvet could breathe. There were families there too; one little kid kept giggling every time an owl turned its head all the way around. The walk itself was easy — maybe 400 meters tops — so even my aunt with her dodgy knee managed fine.

I didn’t expect to feel nervous when it came time for the glove. But holding out my arm and feeling Abel (the golden eagle) settle his weight on me… well, that was something else. You could actually feel his heartbeat through your skin if you paid attention — or maybe I just imagined it because I wanted to remember that exact moment. Giulia said something in dialect I didn’t catch; she laughed when I tried to repeat it back. The whole thing wasn’t polished or staged — just real people and real birds, sharing space for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Interactive birds of prey educational tour

• Arrive at SETTEVENTI del Pollino center
• Begin interactive educational path
• Attend workshops on environment and rural culture
• Discover birds of prey species and biology
• Meet eagle owl, barn owl, and buzzard
• Experience close encounter with golden eagle Abel

Top questions

How long is the walk during the birds of prey course?

The walk covers about 300–400 meters and is suitable for everyone.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and paths are wheelchair accessible; ask ahead for specific info.

Do I get to interact directly with the birds?

Yes, you’ll use a falconer’s glove to interact with some of the birds under supervision.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Where does the experience take place?

At Setteventi del Pollino—the only naturalistic falconry center in Calabria.

Is parking available at the center?

Yes, there is reserved and guarded parking on site.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Setteventi del Pollino in Calabria, an official guide leading interactive workshops on birds of prey and rural culture, use of a falconer’s glove for direct interaction with eagles or owls, plus access to reserved parking right by the center—all designed for easy access regardless of age or mobility.