Where our focus is your experience.
Raptor Meet and Greet (Let’s Get Outdoors)
Guests will meet all of the birds at Arizona’s Raptor Experience during this activity. Natural history, conservation issues, raptor husbandry, and much more will be discussed. Hands-on interaction with three birds is included. A flight demonstration experience can also be arranged.
Hawk Walk (Take a Hike!)
This healthful activity introduces curious minds to the joy, beauty and intrinsic value of nature and the ancient art and Sport of Kings (and Queens.) We take a scenic walk accompanied by two Harris’s Hawks that will fly along with us. You can observe as we hunt with the birds and witness cooperative hunting behavior. You will learn how falconry has been used to restore populations of threatened and endangered species, the natural history of the birds and conservation activities that benefit raptors.Please bring your camera! (Note: Hawk Walks are limited to dates between October and April as we choose not to hunt the birds during the molt, when their prey are reproducing and snake season!)
Hawk Walks occur in part on State Trust Land near our facility. In order to access State Trust Land in AZ, you are required to have either a valid hunting license or a recreational use permit. Permits can be purchased on-line at https://land.az.gov/ . An individual permit is $15 and valid for one year from date of purchase. A family permit (two adults and their children under 18 years of age) is $20 and valid for one year. Group permits are available, but applications must be sent to the AZ State Land Department via the USPS.
Owl Encounter
Many people are partial to owls – this activity focuses exclusively on these specialized predators and includes an introduction to owl biology, ecology and natural history. The opportunity to photograph each bird in a natural setting is included. And…we also include a once-in-a lifetime interaction between you and a Eurasian Eagle Owl which you can hold on your fist!
Nature in Focus – photography sessions
This activity offers photographers of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to capture images of a variety of raptors in natural settings. Paul is an award winning, published photographer who also teaches the craft. His combined knowledge of birds and photography make this an exceptional experience.
Photos by Dr. Eric Gofreed.
Raptors in the Modern World (offered on-site or we can travel to you!)
This is a hands-on educational opportunity for groups of all sizes and ages. Sharing live raptors and describing their important role in the environment, we cover a variety of important conservation topics tailored to meet the needs of your group/event. Interaction with the birds will leave a lifelong impression on participants and foster a desire to learn about and protect our earth’s remaining natural resources.
Introduction to Falconry
During this day-long introduction to the sport of falconry guests are taught how to handle and fly a trained hawk. Falconry equipment, the training process, hunting methods and proper husbandry are covered. Although these sessions do not certify you to practice falconry, you will be guided by a Master falconer with decades of experience to help you decide if this sport is for you!
We also discuss falconry as a method used by states and countries to restore rare and endangered raptors. Lunch and snacks are provided.
This course can include the opportunity to accompany us and observe while we are hunting with the birds. This will occur in part on State Trust Land near our facility. In order to access State Trust Land in AZ, you are required to have either a valid hunting license or a recreational use permit. Permits can be purchased on-line at https://land.az.gov/. An individual permit is $15 and valid for one year from date of purchase. A family permit (two adults and their children under 18 years of age) is $20 and valid for one year. Group permits are available, but applications must be sent to the AZ State Land Department via the USPS.
Didn’t find what you need? We’ll be happy to tailor a program to your specific needs!
Also available: our traveling programs can include one or more live birds
Paul‘s lifelong fascination with the icon of the Great Plains is evident in this reenactment of an 1870’s bison hunter. Based on the real-life biography of Frank Mayer (1850-1954) Paul, dressed in period garb, displays antique rifles, a bison hide and skull, and Native American artifacts. Bison biology and ecology, Native American uses of the bison, the Sharps rifle and bison hunting techniques will be explained and demonstrated in this brutal period in American wildlife and Native American history. A question and answer period follows.
Nature Journaling
Paul has kept a journal of his experiences and travels every day since 1974. He is therefore equipped to teach this subject to students who likewise express themselves through the printed word – or now, record digitally. Paul has been an active member of the NYS Outdoor Writers Association since 1988, and served as Treasurer and Photo Contest Chairman.
Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic
The late, great natural scientist and author Professor Aldo Leopold, whose conservation philosophy is recorded in his classic, seminal work A Sand County Almanac, is highlighted in all of our programs. Paul became a Leopold Education Project Facilitator in 2003 and shares Leopold’s profoundly important land ethic message with teachers and older audiences. (Note: an ethic calls us to a higher level of responsibility and integrity.)
Western Raptors: Their Natural History and Future
What is in store for wildlife and raptors in the western U.S. in the coming decades? Our visit will include a discussion on five species found in Arizona and the West.
