Falconry Class in Ellicottville, NY: Handle Live Birds of Prey

You handle and fly the birds yourself, not watch a demonstration.

A hands-on falconry class in Ellicottville, NY where you learn the history and natural behavior of raptors, then fly live hawks and owls in the forest. The session runs about 90 minutes from arrival through the forest work. A live guide teaches in English, and children from age 2 are welcome. Falconry equipment is provided.

The experience

You arrive at the outpost camp and start with a lesson on falconry itself: how the ancient sport works, how the birds are trained, and what role each raptor plays in nature. The guide covers the natural history of the specific birds you'll work with that day. Once the classroom part ends, you head into the forest where the actual flying begins: you handle the raptors and send them aloft yourself.

The equipment you need is supplied. The whole experience runs about an hour and a half from the moment you arrive. Because the class is small and hands-on, you get direct instruction and real time with the birds rather than standing back to watch. Children as young as 2 can participate, and the site is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Live guide instruction in English.
• use of falconry equipment.
• hands-on flying of live raptors in the forest setting.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (5 to 13 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by American Hawkeye

Is this one for you?At 90 minutes, the class leaves room for other activities in your day: a morning session before lunch elsewhere, or an afternoon slot after exploring the town. If you need a full-day immersion or a longer wilderness experience, this compressed format won't provide it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 13 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

What do I actually do during the falconry class?

After the initial lesson on raptor history and training, you walk into the forest and handle live hawks and owls, flying them yourself under the guide's instruction. You're not observing. You're the one working with the birds.

How long does the whole experience take?

The class runs about 90 minutes from arrival at camp through the forest flying session, so it fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your entire day.

What's included in the price?

Falconry equipment is provided. You bring yourself and the willingness to handle live raptors. Everything else the experience requires is part of the booking.

Is the site accessible for people with mobility concerns?

The camp and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. The experience is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.