Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration

A hawk lifting from a wooded perch and flying free is the heart of this Colorado Springs experience. You learn about eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, then put on a leather glove and hold a trained Saker Falcon. The birds choose to engage, so this feels less like a staged animal show and more like an introduction to a demanding old sport.

I like the mix of clear instruction and real contact with the birds. I also like the small, active details: walking with a hawk, visiting the owl room, and getting help with photos. The main caution is simple: this is not for anyone afraid of birds, and the activity depends on good weather.

Key points to know before booking

• You watch hawks fly free in the countryside surrounding Colorado Springs.
• You hold a trained Saker Falcon while wearing a protective leather glove.
• The lesson covers several types of birds, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons.
• Licensed falconers lead the class, with guides such as Deanna, Roger, Nicole, and Sara.
• The 90-minute schedule works well as a focused morning or afternoon activity.
• Weather matters, and a poor-weather cancellation brings a choice of another date or a full refund.

A 90-minute introduction to falconry

Falconry is often seen from a distance, as something tied to old hunting traditions or specialist clubs. This class gives you a practical first look without requiring prior knowledge. In about an hour and a half, you learn what these birds can do, how their hunting styles differ, and why falconry demands patience and close attention.

The class is designed for beginners. You do not need to arrive already able to tell a hawk from a falcon. The licensed falconer explains the birds in plain terms and leaves room for questions. Deanna has been praised for combining instruction with humor, while Roger is known for making the session lively and easy to follow.

The tone is educational, but not stiff. The point is not simply to admire a beautiful bird. You gain a better sense of predation, natural ability, and the partnership between a falconer and a trained bird.

Meeting the hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles

The program introduces several kinds of birds of prey rather than focusing on only one. That variety gives the class its shape. An owl offers a different presence from a hawk, and a falcon brings a different set of abilities to the discussion.

You may stop by the bird cages and enter an owl room as part of the outing. These moments make the class more personal than a talk delivered from one spot. You get time to look closely, ask questions, and notice the differences among the birds.

The guides also explain individual hunting styles. This is one of the most useful parts for a first-timer because it shifts the focus from appearance to behavior. You learn to think about how each bird uses its body and natural abilities when hunting.

The exact birds presented can vary, and the animals remain in charge of their own participation. That is worth understanding before booking. You are not buying a guaranteed sequence of tricks. You are joining a lesson with live birds whose behavior cannot be forced.

Watching a hawk fly free

After the initial discussion, the hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside. This is the point where the subject becomes physical and immediate. Instead of hearing only about speed, vision, or hunting skill, you see a bird use open space under the direction of its falconer.

Some parts of this activity take place outdoors, so wear clothing suited to the weather and comfortable shoes. The class is not a long hike, but it does include movement through the setting. One session included a walk with a hawk through the woods, which gives you a sense of how the bird and handler work together away from the cages.

The free flight is also why the good-weather requirement makes sense. Wind, rain, or other poor conditions can affect the safety and quality of the session. If the provider cancels because of weather, you can select another date or receive a full refund.

I would not book this expecting nonstop action. The class has explanation, observation, and handling as well as flight. That balance is useful because the flying means more once you understand what you are watching.

Putting on the glove and holding the Saker Falcon

The hands-on portion ends with each student having a chance to wear a leather glove and hold the trained Saker Falcon. For many people, this is the clearest memory of the class. The bird is close enough for you to appreciate its size, posture, and presence without treating it like a pet.

The falconer oversees every interaction. That supervision matters for both your safety and the bird’s welfare. The birds engage by their own will, so the handling portion is structured around respect rather than forced contact.

You may also have a chance to pet some of the birds, depending on the session and the animals’ behavior. This should be treated as an extra possibility, not a promise. The guaranteed point is the opportunity for each student to hold the Saker Falcon under the falconer’s guidance.

Staff can assist with photographs, which is helpful because taking a picture while holding a bird is not easy. Nicole has been praised for helping with the practical side of the visit, and the team is described as friendly and professional.

What the guides add to the class

The quality of this activity depends heavily on the person leading it. A dry presentation would make even remarkable birds feel distant. The guides connected with the subject and made room for questions.

Deanna, also spelled Deeana in the supplied information, is a master falconer and is praised for explaining the sport in a way beginners can understand. She is also described as funny and patient, useful traits when a group includes people with very different levels of interest.

Roger brings a similar sense of enthusiasm. His presentation has been described as both informed and entertaining, with a clear passion for falconry. Nicole and Sara have also been part of the teaching and support team. The exact guide may vary, but you can expect a licensed falconer to oversee the bird portion of the class.

This is a good fit if you like asking questions. The lesson covers more than names and photographs, including the nature of predation and the differences among birds. If you already have falconry experience, the beginner format may feel basic. An advanced or intermediate class is available for people who want to continue.

Is the $217.20 price good value?

At $217.20 per person, this is not a casual stop-in attraction. You are paying for a small-group, specialist-led session involving trained birds, outdoor flight, instruction, and direct handling. The maximum group size is 20, so the class has more room for personal attention than a large wildlife presentation.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you simply want to see an owl or take a quick picture, the price may feel high. If you want a guided introduction to falconry, a free-flight demonstration, and the chance to hold a Saker Falcon, the cost is easier to justify.

The 90-minute length also matters. This is a concentrated activity rather than a full-day commitment. You can fit it into a Colorado Springs schedule before or after other plans, and morning and afternoon times are available.

I see the best value for people who are genuinely curious about birds of prey. The class is not just a photo opportunity. You spend time learning how the sport works and why each bird behaves differently. The possibility of taking an intermediate or advanced course adds value for anyone who wants more than a one-time introduction.

Who will enjoy this most?

This class suits couples, solo visitors, families, and older children who can listen to instructions and respect animals. Families have used it successfully with children as young as 8 and 11, though the activity still requires calm behavior around birds.

It is especially good for:

• People fascinated by birds of prey
• Anyone seeking an unusual Colorado Springs activity
• Families wanting an educational outdoor outing
• Couples looking for something beyond the usual sightseeing stops
• Beginners curious about falconry but unsure where to start
• Returning participants considering an intermediate course

You should think twice if you have a fear of birds. The animals are not merely displayed behind glass. You may be near owls, hawks, and falcons, and you will have the chance to hold a Saker Falcon.

The class is also less suitable if you want complete control over the schedule or a guaranteed animal performance. The birds engage by their own choice, which is ethically important but means the session cannot be treated like a scripted show.

Timing, meeting point, and practical planning

The activity begins and ends at Broadmoor Outfitters, 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906. It is near public transportation, and mobile tickets are accepted. Confirmation is provided when you book.

Plan for about 90 minutes at the meeting point. Morning and afternoon departures make it easier to fit the class around other Colorado Springs plans. Since the activity is outdoors and weather-sensitive, check the forecast before you leave and dress for changing conditions.

The group can include up to 20 people. That is large enough for a social class, but not so large that the birds disappear into the distance. You should still expect to share the instructor’s attention, especially during the glove and handling portion.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time, so set a reminder if your schedule is uncertain.

My take on the experience

I like this class because it gives you context before contact. You first learn about the birds, then see a hawk fly free, and finally handle a falcon with proper supervision. That order makes the experience feel thoughtful rather than rushed.

The strongest feature is the combination of education and access. You are not only looking at a bird in a cage, and you are not only listening to a lecture. You move between discussion, outdoor observation, and hands-on participation.

The limitation is the price. At more than $200 per person, it needs to be a major interest, not a random filler activity. Weather can also change the plan, and the birds’ own choices shape what you see.

Should you book the Colorado Springs falconry class?

Book it if you want a memorable, focused introduction to birds of prey and are willing to pay for specialist instruction and close contact with trained birds. The free-flight portion, the Saker Falcon handling, and the range of owls, hawks, falcons, and eagles give the 90 minutes real substance.

Skip it if you are uneasy around birds, need a guaranteed performance, or are only looking for a low-cost attraction. For everyone else, this is a strong choice for a Colorado Springs itinerary, especially if Deanna, Roger, Nicole, or Sara can help turn your curiosity into a lasting interest in falconry.

FAQ

Where does the falconry class begin?

The class begins at Broadmoor Outfitters, 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Broadmoor Outfitters.

How long does the class last?

The class lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What birds will I learn about?

The lesson discusses eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons. The activity also includes hawk flights and an opportunity to hold a trained Saker Falcon.

Will I get to hold a bird?

Each student has an opportunity to put on a leather glove and hold the trained Saker Falcon. A licensed falconer oversees the interaction.

Are morning and afternoon times available?

Yes. Morning and afternoon tour times are offered.

How many people can join the activity?

The activity has a maximum group size of 20 travelers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the class?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.