Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration

Falcons make ancient hunting feel immediate. In this Colorado Springs hands-on falconry class, a licensed falconer guides you through eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, then hawks fly free in the surrounding countryside. The session wraps up with each student putting on a leather glove and holding a trained Saker Falcon, as the birds decide.

I love the compact 90 minutes format, so it fits a busy travel day without feeling rushed. I also like the hands-on holding moment, where staff coach you through the glove and help you capture photos while you learn what makes each bird different.

One possible drawback is that good weather is required, and the demonstration depends on the birds and conditions. And if you have a fear of birds, this isn’t a good fit for you.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Beginner-friendly falconry lesson with a licensed falconer leading the whole experience
• Multiple birds of prey covered, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons
• Free-flight hawk demonstration in the nearby countryside
• Hands-on interaction with a leather glove and a trained Saker Falcon
• Small group size with a maximum of 20 travelers for more personal attention
• Photo help and interaction built into the experience, including time spent near owl areas and bird cages

Colorado Springs Falconry 101: What You’re Really Signing Up For

This is not a quick “look and leave” wildlife stop. You’re buying a short, structured class in falconry, where you learn what different birds are built to do, then you get to experience it at close range. The magic is in the mix: education first, then the birds doing their thing outside.

The pacing matters. The lesson runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is long enough to explain the basics clearly, but short enough that you can keep your day flexible. Morning and afternoon times are offered, so you can match the class to your plans in Colorado Springs.

You’ll also feel the difference between reading about birds and being in the room with them. This experience is guided by trained staff, and the birds participate on their own schedule. That means you’re not just watching a staged performance. You’re learning how the sport actually works in real conditions.

Meet the Licensed Falconer and Learn the Bird Lineup

The heart of the class is the licensed falconer who runs everything. Expect a guided introduction that covers several types of birds of prey, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. The goal is not memorizing species names. It’s understanding the differences that affect hunting style, behavior, and what you notice when the bird is in front of you.

Guides also bring humor and real answers to questions. If you like to ask why certain birds act a certain way, you’ll probably feel comfortable doing it here. The class is designed for beginners, but it’s not watered down. Staff explain the sport and the birds in a way that keeps adults and kids engaged.

I especially like how this approach builds appreciation for the birds’ abilities. Instead of treating falconry like a spectacle, you come away thinking about the bird as a skilled predator with natural instincts.

Owl Room and Bird Cages Time: Why the Prep Matters

Before any big flight moment, you get time around the birds and their spaces. In practice, that means you’ll spend time near bird cages and in an owl room where you can see the birds up close and learn what to look for.

This part of the experience is valuable because it changes what happens later. When you understand a few bird basics first, the free-flight demo becomes clearer. You start noticing cues like how a bird watches, how it holds itself, and how it reacts when staff and handlers move.

This is also where you’ll get a feel for the tone of the operation. Staff are friendly and professional, and the session stays interactive. Even if you’re the quiet type, you can still ask questions and learn at your own pace. Families often appreciate this step because it keeps kids engaged before the outdoor segment.

The Hawk Flight in the Countryside: The Main Event

After the bird introductions, the class moves outdoors and the hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside. This is the moment most people remember. In a zoo, an animal is usually behind barriers and schedules. Here, the experience is about watching the bird in motion, using its natural skills.

It’s also a good example of why falconry is a different kind of animal encounter. The birds engage by their own will, so the experience can feel more real and less canned. That spontaneity can be thrilling, and it’s also why you should plan for “conditions matter.”

If you love active wildlife moments, you’ll probably get a lot out of this segment. You’re not just hearing about hunting. You’re seeing how these birds move and respond when they’re allowed to fly freely. Even the walk segments in the woods, which sometimes happen as part of the flow, help connect what you’re learning to what the bird is doing in real time.

Holding the Saker Falcon on a Leather Glove

The hands-on finale is the big-ticket thrill: each student has an opportunity to put on a leather glove and hold a trained Saker Falcon. Staff oversee and present the experience, and they’re there to help you feel steady and confident.

This part is more than a photo opportunity. The value is in what you learn while you’re holding the glove and interacting with the bird. You can feel the bird’s presence, and you get a better sense of the sport as practiced rather than imagined.

Staff also help with capturing pictures. People often leave talking about both the bird’s beauty and the realism of the moment. If you’re traveling with kids, this is typically the highlight because it’s interactive and not just visual.

One thing to keep in mind: you’re holding a trained raptor, so the feeling can be intense in the best way. If birds make you nervous, this is where you’ll want to think twice before booking.

Where You Start, How the Class Runs, and Who It Fits

The meeting point is Broadmoor Outfitters, 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. The class ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with complicated logistics at the end of your day.

With a maximum of 20 travelers, you’re in a small group. That matters because the experience is interactive, and it’s easier to ask questions and get personal help. Morning and afternoon sessions let you pick a time that matches your energy, whether that’s a fresh start or an afternoon outing.

This experience tends to suit:

• Bird lovers who want more than a quick viewing
• Families looking for a memorable, hands-on outdoor learning activity
• Travelers who like guided explanations and want context for what they’re seeing

It’s not a fit if you have a fear of birds. The experience is built around close encounters and raptor handling.

Price and Value: What $217.20 Buys You

At $217.20 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price makes sense when you look at what you’re actually paying for: a licensed falconer, a small group setting, time with multiple birds of prey, outdoor free-flight observation, and the hands-on opportunity to hold a trained raptor.

You’re also buying a learning experience. A big part of the value is that the class teaches hunting style and bird differences, not just facts on a sign. That can turn a one-time thrill into a real understanding you can carry with you.

Compared with passive wildlife watching, the interaction changes the entire equation. You’re not only watching, you’re participating under staff supervision. And because the birds engage on their own, you get an authentic feel for how the sport functions.

If you’re the type who loves unique, locally grounded experiences, this is one of those “spend once, remember a long time” activities. If you’re strictly price-driven, you might look for lower-cost zoos or museums, since this is a premium class built around trained birds and specialist labor.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Falconry Session

A few practical points can help you enjoy this more:

• Bring a curious mindset. Ask questions while the falconer explains how eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons differ.
• Expect the outdoor segment to depend on good weather and the birds. If conditions are rough, your session may shift or be rescheduled.
• Use the mobile ticket you receive, since that’s part of how you’ll check in.
• If you’re traveling with kids, plan on attention shifting from room time to outdoor flight time. The class flow is set up for that energy change.
• If you care about photos, know that staff can help you capture images during the holding moment and other parts of the experience.

One more timing note: the class is often booked about 30 days in advance, so if you have a narrow window in Colorado Springs, try not to wait.

Should You Book This Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class?

I think this is a strong booking if you want a hands-on education with real raptors, not just a look from a distance. The combination of a licensed instructor, multiple bird types, a free-flight hawk demonstration, and the chance to hold a trained Saker Falcon makes it feel like a complete experience in 1 hour 30 minutes.

Skip it if you have a fear of birds. Even if you can handle animals at a distance, this class includes close encounters and glove-to-bird interaction. Also, if weather can ruin your plans, schedule it with enough flexibility, since the experience requires good conditions.

If you do book, aim for the session that fits your day best. Morning or afternoon both work, and the small group size keeps the experience personal.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Colorado Springs hands-on falconry class?

The class lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What birds of prey will I learn about in the lesson?

You’ll learn about several types of birds, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons.

Do I get to hold a falcon during the class?

Yes. Each student has an opportunity to put on a leather glove and hold a trained Saker Falcon.

How long is the outdoor part, and are hawks flown free?

After the discussion of birds, hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside as part of the experience.

Where does the class start, and where does it end?

It starts at Broadmoor Outfitters, 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time options are available?

Morning and afternoon tour times are available.

How big is the group?

The experience has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is the tour ticket mobile?

Yes, it’s a mobile ticket.

What should I know about weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.