Bird of Prey Experiences

Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)

Pita previously was a hard working bird - he used to fly “abatement” with a falconer to scare pest birds away from crops like blueberries or grapes. Abatement falconers also work at places like landfills or resorts - anywhere that birds may flock and cause a disturbance. It’s a good non-lethal method to keep the birds at bay without having to use loud obnoxious speakers or other methods. Many birds quickly learn that a repeated canon or other loud sound doesn’t actually pose a threat after awhile - but a living, breathing, real predator that’s chasing them around… well, that may make them actually move on out! The blueberries aren’t worth it.
Pita retired from that job and came to us to join in our education venture. He’s a sweet soul and gets along with everyone. He loves attention.

Pita was hatched in 2006.

Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)

Walter is the newest edition of the team! He was hatched on May 24th, 2022. I wanted a male eagle owl to hopefully one day woo Willa, so she can complete her dream of having wee baby owls. In the meantime, Walter is still learning the ropes and growing up. He loves toys and attention, and loves flying to the glove (but is not so great at leaving it yet)! He also is still figuring out WHERE to land, but once he learns the ropes we’ll be able to offer experiences with Walter.

So far his personality is cheerful and sweet, and he loves learning new things!

Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo)

Willa hatched on March 27th, of 2012. She was originally an educational ambassador at a large facility, doing free-flight programs for the public. Unfortunately, she was not a good fit at that facility, and knowing that I have extensive large-bird experience (she’s a big girl, even for her species!) she was transferred to me. Since transferring, she has become the sweetest bird, and we have absolutely bonded. A little too much, in fact, as Willa thinks of me as her “mate” and desperately makes a nest and lays infertile eggs each year since I’ve gotten her. I’ve tried everything to discourage this behavior, but just like people, every bird has their own personalities and desires. I’d like Willa to be able to have fertile eggs and owlets one day, but that’s going to mean transferring her love from me to Walter. Because birds don’t tend to want to be social with lots of people when they are in “breeding mode”, Willa will be stepping back from so many programs so Walter can take her place. I want to honor Willa’s wishes and lately she’s been far more interested in nests than traveling.

In most birds of prey, females weight more than males. Willa weighs about a kilogram (2.2 pounds) more than Walter!

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Fletcher was hatched in 2018. I am a licensed master falconer, and Fletcher is my falconry bird, meaning we go hunting together. We primarily hunt rabbits, but one day I’d love to hunt duck with him. He, or the other birds, eat all that he catches - we waste nothing, and it’s amazing relationship to see such a natural behavior in person. Hunting is what birds of prey were meant to do, and goshawks in general have a high prey drive.

He may occasionally do a program by special request, depending on the season, but in general goshawks are high strung, relatively nervous, and don’t like to hold still. He’s a great hunting partner, but education programs are not his favorite thing.
Still, I love him and he’s so handsome, he of course gets his place on this website.