Bird on the Hand falconry experiences header. Redtail buzzard in flight

Falconry experiences to fly, handle, feed and get up close to our red kite, owls, falcons, hawks, buzzards and eagles.

Choice of locations in Leicestershire or Buckinghamshire

Barn Owl Hollw, Market Harborough. Check it out

Here at our base in south Leicestershire  we have our main aviaries and a wonderful view of the Langton Caudke Hills. We will give you a fantastic day out on you falconry experience.

Alders Farm Milton Keynes. Check it out

We have had lots of feedback saying we were too far away from some of you, so you lucky southerners now have the option of visiting us at a fantastic location south of Milton Keynes at Alders Farm.  A lovely location on the edge of Rushmere Park alongside some beautiful lakes. We hold our half day Owl on the Hand and Bird on the Hand mixed bird of prey sessions here between April and October.

 

Click here for more details of our Alders Farm site

Scarlett Our Red Kite

We are one of a very small number of falconry experience centres that have a red kite. Join us for our Bird on the Hand and meet Scarlett our red kite.

We are unique

  • Flexible Bookings
  • Last minute reschedule with no penalty
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Fantastic friendly welcome
  • 2023 and still accepting vouchers delayed by COVID
  • Children welcome
Buy the Best!

Our falconry experiences give lots of time handling the birds in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.

  • Small groups of up to six participants (10-15 are not uncommon elsewhere).
  • #3 of 783 things to do in Leicestershire on TripAdvisor.
  • A beautiful location in the Leicestershire countryside.
  • We concentrate on being with the birds, with you handling, flying, & feeding them whilst learning some fascinating facts.
  • Relaxed & informal sessions where we love to chat to you about the birds and encourage lots of questions.
  • Tea & Coffee break to refresh you.
Money Back Guarantee

At Bird on the Hand we want you to be happy with your purchase and the recipient to have one of the best times of their life so here is our guarantee.

1. If you made a mistake and a falconry experience day gift doesn’t suit the recipient it can be returned within 30 days for a refund.
2. We give you a money back guarantee (Full Refund) the participant will enjoy themselves on the day.
3. Value for Money Guarantee. You don’t think it has been value for money? Tell me why not and what you think it is worth and I will refund the difference.
3. If you need to change your booking at the last minute that’s no problem, these things happen.
4. No small print (there are some terms) as I have found that the type of person I am dealing with is generally fair and sensible so there is no need for much.
5. If there is anything else, talk to me and we can probably sort it out. Life’s too short to get worried about little things
What more can I say. Buy with confidence at Bird on the Hand

Is it the right gift choice?
Who would like a falconry experience ? Any of the following are a good indicator.
1. They notice wild birds of prey.
2. They watch nature programs.
3. They like being outdoors.
3. They like animals.
4. They are a keen gardener. They love nature.
5. They have a thirst for knowledge
6. They are the adventurous type
7. They feed the garden birds.
And remember, if you get it wrong you can get a refund.
What do our customers say?

Dear Andrew, Duncan and Charlotte,

What a fantastic time you gave us yesterday! Thank you so much. Not only was it a delight seeing your amazing birds close up and in action, but it was also so interesting and informative. Clive and Ruth thoroughly enjoyed it, as did Nigel and I, but the icing on the cake was seeing Dad so relaxed and happy. He clearly had a marvellous time and we so appreciated the time and attention you devoted to him to maximise his afternoon’s falconry experience.

We have some superb photos and plan to choose the best and frame it for Dad’s 90th birthday present. I think this highlights how grateful we are for the time with you, and how much Dad benefitted.

Many thanks again, you all do a wonderful job, and your birds are truly awe inspiring.

Helen Reid


We booked a private session for my mother’s 85th birthday and it was the most amazing experience. Andrew and Charlotte could not have been more attentive, they tailored the session to my parent’s abilities and were so caring, thoughtful and attentive. They are also extremely knowledgeable explaining so much about the birds. A fabulous afternoon not to be forgotten.

Rachel Lines

Fletcher our fantastic tawny owl entertaining Samantha Janus on one of our birds of prey experience days

Falconry Experiences

Fly a variety of species on our most popular experiences. Half days and full days available.

Our experiences are carried out in small groups, usually up to six participants. Everyone is fully involved and up close to the action.

TripAdvisor travellers choice 2022
TripAdvisor travellers choice 2022

Visitor Reviews

Our reviews say it all – #3 (of 787) in things to do in Leicestershire.
Over 400 excellent rated Tripadvisor reviews!

Our great grey owl entertaining as always on one of our Owl on the Hand experience days

Owl Experience

An Owl on the Hand experience half day for all those owl lovers. From our native barn and tawny owls to larger eagle owls from around the world. 

Harris hawk and children on a bird of prey experience.

Children's Falconry Experience

A birds of prey experience day to fly, handle, feed and get up close to our owls, falcons, hawks, buzzards and eagles. Chidlrens experiences are reccomended for 7 years and over.

Private group falconry experience at Bird on the Hand

Private & Group Events

Group events tailored to your requirements. From a special birthday treat for your partner or child to a company social or corporate event we can work with you to create that extra special event.

photography workshops. Group of photographers getting close up shots of Elvis our Eurasian Eagle Owl

Photography Workshops

Enjoy a day photographing a large variety of stunning birds of prey at a location that is NOT open to the general public. You will get the chance to photograph the birds both perched and flying in lovely natural countryside.

Children being introduced to Elvis our Eurasian eagle owl during a school visit on birds of prey

Schools and Education

Give them some up close interaction and nurture with nature. We love to see kids here and give them a real chance to engage with the wild and open spaces.

Juliet the barn owl ring bearer has just delivered the rings.

Weddings

Wow  your guests with a surprise appearance of a barn owl delivering your wedding rings or a selection of birds of prey after the ceremony for your guests to get to know and hold.

Corporate group falconry experience with a steppe eagle

Corporate events & Displays

Here at base or at your venue we can tailor a display, event or promotion to suit your needs. Give corporate guests a break with the birds or have a display at your event.