Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration

A hawk lifting off over the Colorado countryside is the heart of this experience. This is not a quick photo stop with a tethered bird. You learn how raptors hunt, then watch trained hawks fly free before holding a Saker Falcon yourself. The birds engage by their own will, which makes every flight feel earned rather than staged.

I like the small-class feel, with a maximum of 20 people, and I like the mix of talk, outdoor action, and close contact. Deanna, Roger, and Nicole are singled out for clear teaching, humor, and patience. The main drawback is the price: at $217.20 per person, this is a serious splurge for 90 minutes. It also depends on good weather and will not suit anyone uneasy around birds.

Key points to know before booking

• See hawks fly free: The outdoor flight demonstration is the most exciting part of the class.
• Hold a trained Saker Falcon: Each student gets a turn with a leather glove and the falcon.
• Learn about several raptors: The class covers eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, including their hunting styles.
• Meet experienced falconers: Deanna, Roger, and Nicole bring different personalities to the teaching.
• Choose morning or afternoon: The schedule gives you room to fit the class into a Colorado Springs day.
• Expect weather limits: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why this 90-minute class feels different

Falconry is often reduced to a picture of someone wearing a thick glove with a bird perched on one arm. This class gives you the missing context. You learn that falconry is an ancient hunting sport built around the natural abilities of birds of prey, not a simple animal-handling activity.

The opening lesson introduces several types of raptors. You hear about eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, then look at the differences in how they hunt and move. That matters because it changes what you notice later. A hawk’s flight is not just a bird circling overhead. It becomes part of a lesson about speed, vision, patience, and predation.

The teaching style is a major part of the experience. Deanna is praised for making the subject easy to understand while adding humor. Roger brings obvious enthusiasm and a strong command of the sport. Nicole often helps with the practical side of the visit and with photographs. The exact instructor may vary, but you can expect a licensed falconer to oversee the class.

This is a good arrangement for beginners. You do not need to arrive knowing the difference between a hawk and a falcon. The class starts with basic ideas, then lets you see those ideas in action.

Meeting the birds before the flight

The experience includes time around the bird enclosures before the main flight portion. You may visit the bird cages and enter the owl room, giving you a closer look at species that behave very differently from one another.

Owls bring a quieter, more mysterious part of falconry. Hawks and falcons are often associated with fast hunting flights, while owls prompt discussion about nocturnal hunting and their own special abilities. The class does not treat every bird as interchangeable. That variety is one of its strongest features.

Some sessions also include the chance to pet a few of the birds. This is not presented as the sole purpose of the visit, and the birds are not treated like ordinary domestic animals. The important point is that contact happens under the falconer’s direction. You get a close look while the professionals keep the focus on the birds and their behavior.

I would not book this if you are hoping for constant handling. The birds engage by their own will, and that is central to the experience. A raptor may cooperate beautifully, but the class is about respecting an animal with instincts and abilities far beyond those of a household pet.

Watching a hawk work in the Colorado countryside

After the introduction, the hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside. This is where the class moves from explanation to demonstration.

You may walk through the woods with a hawk, then watch it respond to the falconer and the setting. The appeal is not simply seeing a bird flap from one perch to another. You are watching a trained raptor use the open air while retaining its own nature. That balance explains why the experience feels more substantial than a standard wildlife display.

The outdoor setting also gives the class a sense of place. You are not sitting in a lecture room looking at photographs. You are out in the Colorado Springs area, where the birds’ movement and the surrounding countryside become part of the lesson.

The exact flight pattern can depend on the birds and the weather. That is worth keeping in mind when you book. Falconry is a live activity, not a mechanical show with a guaranteed sequence. If you need a fixed performance with the same result every time, this may feel less predictable. If you appreciate seeing an animal respond in real time, that uncertainty is part of the appeal.

Putting on the glove and holding the Saker Falcon

The class ends with one of its clearest hands-on moments. Each student has an opportunity to put on a leather glove and hold the trained Saker Falcon.

This is the moment many people will remember most. The glove is not a costume prop. It protects your hand while giving you a safe way to experience the weight and presence of a working bird. The Saker Falcon’s size, posture, and alertness make the encounter feel very different from holding a small tame bird.

The falconer oversees the process, so you are not left to guess what to do. Follow instructions closely, keep your movements calm, and give the bird your full attention. If you want photographs, the staff can help document the visit. That practical touch matters because it lets you stay focused on the bird instead of fumbling with your phone.

Do not assume every part of the experience is a petting session. The bird may perch calmly, but it remains a raptor. The best approach is respectful curiosity, not forced interaction. For children, that lesson can be as useful as the photograph itself.

How the guides shape the experience

The class depends heavily on the person leading it. Here, that appears to be a strength.

Deanna is described as an experienced falconer who explains the sport in plain language. Her humor helps keep the class lively, especially during the introductory discussion. Roger is praised for his passion and for making the 90 minutes pass quickly. Nicole is noted as a friendly escort who helps the visit run smoothly and supports the photo opportunities.

You may not meet every one of them during your session. Still, the teaching approach is consistent in the details: clear explanations, room for questions, and a willingness to share both facts and enthusiasm. The guides also connect the birds to the wider practice of falconry, rather than presenting them as decorative animals.

That makes this a strong pick for someone who wants more than a quick wildlife encounter. You leave with a better idea of what falconry involves and why the birds behave as they do.

Is $217.20 a fair price?

At $217.20 per person, the cost is high for a 90-minute activity. You should compare it with other premium experiences in Colorado Springs before booking, especially if you are planning a full family day.

The value comes from the combination of access and instruction. Your fee covers a licensed falconer, an introduction to several types of raptors, a free-flight demonstration, time around the bird enclosures, and the chance to hold a Saker Falcon. That is a more personal format than simply visiting an exhibit and reading signs.

The maximum group size is 20, which helps keep the class from becoming an impersonal crowd. A smaller turnout may feel even more personal, and one session has been described as a private class. You should not count on having a private tour, but the group limit gives the staff a better chance to answer questions and manage the bird handling.

I see this as a special-occasion purchase rather than a casual add-on. It makes sense for a birthday, a bird lover’s trip, or a meaningful family activity. If you are only mildly curious about birds, the price may be harder to justify.

Who will get the most from this class?

This experience fits people who enjoy animals, outdoor learning, and unusual activities. It works especially well for first-time visitors to falconry because the class assumes little prior knowledge and explains the basics before the flight demonstration.

Families can also make good use of it. The activity has been enjoyed by children as young as 8 and 11 in family groups, and the interactive format gives younger participants something to watch and do. Keep in mind that adults should decide whether their children are comfortable around large birds before booking.

Couples may like the mix of learning and shared experience. You have plenty to discuss afterward, from the hunting styles of different species to the surprising calm of a falcon perched on a gloved hand. Solo visitors are also well suited to the class because the teaching and bird handling do not depend on arriving with a group.

This is not a good match for anyone with a fear of birds. It is also a poor fit if you want a completely passive show, since the class includes walking, outdoor viewing, and direct participation.

Timing, transport, and practical details

You can choose a morning or afternoon start. The activity begins and ends at Broadmoor Outfitters, 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906. It is near public transportation, which helps if you are not driving.

The session lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. That makes it easy to pair with another Colorado Springs activity, but leave breathing room around it. The class includes movement between parts of the site, bird handling, and outdoor flight time, so arriving rushed would take away from the experience.

A mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation arrives at booking. Most people can participate, although you should consider your comfort with outdoor conditions and birds before paying.

The weather matters. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If your own plans change, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Because the experience is often booked about 30 days ahead, reserve early if you need a particular morning or afternoon. That is especially wise if you are building the class into a short Colorado Springs visit.

What to bring and how to act around the birds

The supplied details do not specify a packing list, so keep it simple. Wear clothing suited to an outdoor class and be ready to walk through the surrounding area. Since the birds are flown outside, check the forecast before you leave.

Bring a phone or camera if you want photographs, but listen to the falconer before raising it near a bird. Staff can assist with pictures, allowing you to take part without distracting yourself from the lesson.

The most useful attitude is patience. The birds are trained, but they are not machines. Their willingness to engage is part of what makes the class authentic. Watch closely, ask questions, and let the falconer direct every interaction.

Should you book the Colorado Springs falconry class?

Book it if you want a rare, hands-on introduction to birds of prey and you are willing to pay for expert instruction and close access. The free-flight hawk demonstration, the range of species, and the final chance to hold a Saker Falcon give the class real substance.

Skip it if your budget is tight, you dislike birds, or you want a guaranteed show with no weather concerns. For the right person, though, this is a memorable Colorado Springs activity that turns an unfamiliar ancient sport into something you can see, hear, and briefly feel for yourself.

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 Broadmoor Outfitters meeting point.

How long does the class last?

The class lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What types of birds are discussed?

The lesson discusses eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons.

Will I see a hawk fly free?

Yes. After the discussion, the hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside.

Can I hold a bird?

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

Are morning and afternoon times available?

Yes. Morning and afternoon tour times are offered.

How many people can join the activity?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the class?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.