Falconry Scotland Birds of Prey at Jedforest Deer & Farm Park
If you've ever wanted the opportunity to handle falcons, hawks, owls and eagles, just come along to Falconry Scotland at Jedforest Deer & Farm Park. We have demonstrations every day around lumnchtime, and handling sessions around mid-afternoon included in your entry fee.
At the demonstrations you will be able to admire our magnificent birds at close quarters. Come and experience the down draught of the majestic Eagle Owl swooping silently overhead or awe at the agility of a falcon as it speeds towards its prey at over 100 miles an hour!
Our lovable rogue, Jake the Raven, is never far away. Not a bird of prey as such, but just as impressive. Many species of our birds of prey are on display at Jedforest and our falconers can answer any questions that you may have regarding them.
One of the memorable experiences you will gain from being with these magnificent raptors is the chance to fly some of our friendly favourites. This may be a hawk or even one of our eagle owls. Younger children can also fly some of our smaller owls, providing insight into the life of raptors.
Thanks to Falconry Scotland for the use of some of their photographs.
Hawk Walks
Our Hawk Walks are a real experience! You will learn to handle and fly a hawk whilst taking in the magnificent countryside. All training and equipment is provided.
This is an ideal introduction to maintaining these incredible birds, and if you decide that you'd like to take it further, we're more than happy to provide additional training.
In the wild, Harris' Hawks will co-operate with each other, albeit begrudgingly. This means that we can take out more than one hawk at a time. If there are more than a few people in your group, this is no problem - just let us know when you make your booking.
We also have a Red-Tailed Hawk, a Common Buzzard and a Ferruginous Hawk. They fly free and follow you wherever you walk. When called, they will swoop back to your fist.
Is there a particular hawk that you'd like to handle and learn about? No problem - just let us know when you book, and we'll make sure that it's available when you come.
Remember that Hawk Walks must be pre-booked, so get in touch today.
Prices:
Hawk Walk: £39 per person
Hawk Walk Gift Voucher: £39 per person
Eagle Experience
The eagle is the biggest bird of all used in falconry. Coming face to face with an eagle is an experience you will never forget!
They are a magnificent sight soaring through the air. On our Eagle Experience, you will be shown how to handle and fly them, with all the necessary equipment and training provided.
Now, you should be aware that thess birds are very heavy, and you'll need a strong arm to be able to support one on your wrist. Don't be surprised to have some arm ache by the end of the day!
Also, we should point out that this is not for the faint-hearted: eagles exert a great force when taking off, their talons pack a punch on landing, and their beaks are extremely strong. We do not normally recommend the eagle experience for children, who are more easily daunted by the eagles size and weight than adults. If you are confident that this will not be case, we can provide a helping hand when it comes to the size and weight of the bird.
If you find that your appetite to take things further has been whetted, we can help you with friendly professional tutoring, guidance and advice.
Please note that if there is a particular eagle you would like to meet, handle and learn about, please notify us when you book. This is so that we can make sure that we have the bird available at the centre that you wish to visit. This will also help us to tailor to your every need so we make your experience even more enjoyable.
Eagle Experiences are available on a pre-booked basis only, so please get in touch to book your place.
Price:
Eagle Experience: £110 per person
Eagle Experience Gift Voucher: £110 per person
Owl Encounter
Be Harry Potter - for a while anyway - with our Owl Encounter where you can get to grips with the variety of owls we have here. Find out about their habitat, their hunting techniques, and what they preferred delicacies are - all while you're handling and flying them!
Whether you're an owl enthusiast, a complete beginnner, at school, our Owl Encounters are a must, Did you know that there are five species of owl that originate in this country, and we have them all here? They are Tawny Owl (Strix Aluco), Barn Owl (Tyto Alba), Long Eared Owl (Asio Otus), Little Eared Owl (Asio Flammeus) and Little Owl (Athene Noctua). That's not all, though, as we have owls from around the world, as well.
Remember, though, that owls are not pets and should not be kept in small cages. Owls are, in fact, some of the greatest hunters in the world. The Snowy Owl can be found in some of the coldest parts of the world, and uses its white plumage to disguise itself while keeping its feet warm.
The Grey Owl has large disc eyes, which it uses to concentrate sound waves to locate what it's hunting for. Its prey likes to keep itself out of site under snow, so this technique is very useful!
Here are some other owl facts:
- An owl's plumage is very important in order for it to hunt
- Many of an owl's bones are hollow
- Some races of people have worshipped owls
An owl encounter provides a good introduction and experience to maintaining these mystical birds of prey. In fact you may enjoy it so much that you may wish to pursue falconry further. If this is the case we can provide you with friendly professional tutoring, guidance and advice. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss your needs.
Is there a particular owl that you'd like to handle and learn about? No problem - just let us know when you book, and we'll make sure that it's available when you come.
Owl Encounter: £60.O0 per person
Owl Encounter Gift Voucher: £60.00 per person
Ultimate Adventure
When we say ultimate adventure we mean ulitmate adventure! This is one of our most popular packages, as you get to experience a wide variety of flying and handling of our birds of prey. If you're looking for the ideal introduction of falconry or a treat for someone who's never experienced a bird of prey, the Ultimate Adventure is what you need.
We'll start you off with a short introduction to the history of falconry and explain about which birds are used and why. Then comes the really exciting bit when you come face to face with these incredible birds, and see for yourself just how powerful they really are.
You'll be told exactly what the birds will be expecting from you, what food they eat, and how to keep them healthy. We'll show you how you should approach the birds and lift them from their perch, along with what equipment is used in falconry.
Our expert falconers will demonstrate the astounding agility and speed of a falcon. Now you'll really be itching to have a go yourself. You will then handle the biggest and formidable of all the birds of prey - the majestic eagle! This is very much hands on, with all the equipment and expert tuition you'll need to give you a taster of falconry.
If you find that it whets your appetite, and yoy want to take it further, we can organise a full training programme for you. Just get in touch for more details.
Prices:
Ultimate Adventure: £85 per person
Ultimate Adventure Gift Voucher: £85 per person
Weddings
As part of the unique packages we offer, we can provide something very different for your special day. As with all our services this can be tailored to whatever ideas you may have. For instance we can provide you with our birds of prey to handle for your wedding photographs. This will provide you with a truly unique memory of the day and be preserved forever in your photos.
For something wholly different, why not have a bird of prey deliver the rings at the ceremony? We have trained our birds to fly with a pouch (containing the rings) to the groom when commanded. This will not only astound yourselves but your wedding guests as well as the bird soars above their heads to the groom! Please phone to discuss your ideas with us.
