Handle a bird of prey
Attend a supervised demonstration with a licensed falconer, learn safety steps, and practice handling a bird of prey while wearing a protective glove.
About this activity
Attend a supervised demonstration with a licensed falconer, learn safety steps, and practice handling a bird of prey while wearing a protective glove.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Have an adult help you book a supervised demonstration with a licensed falconer.
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Step 2
Put on protective clothing such as a long-sleeve shirt long pants and closed-toe shoes.
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Step 3
Arrive a little early and check in with the falconer at the meeting spot.
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Step 4
Stand quietly and listen to the falconer's safety briefing.
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Step 5
Ask at least one question about how to behave near the bird.
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Step 6
Remove any loose jewelry the falconer asks you to take off.
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Step 7
Tie back long hair or secure it so it cannot flap.
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Step 8
Put on the leather falconry glove exactly as the falconer shows you.
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Step 9
Extend your gloved arm as the falconer instructs and hold it steady.
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Step 10
Keep your body still while the falconer places the bird on your glove.
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Step 11
Follow the falconer's instruction to try one small guided movement while the bird rests on your glove.
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Step 12
Return the bird to the handler only when the falconer tells you to do so.
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Step 13
Remove the glove only after the falconer says it is safe.
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Step 14
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after handling the bird.
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Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I attend and handle a bird of prey during a supervised demonstration?
Book a session with a licensed falconer or wildlife centre and arrive on time. Start by listening to the falconer's safety briefing and watch a short demonstration. Put on the protective leather gauntlet as instructed. Approach the bird calmly, keep your arm steady, and let the bird land on the glove rather than grabbing it. Follow all verbal cues, avoid sudden movements or loud noises, and only handle the bird under direct supervision. Do not feed or touch the bird's beak or talons.
What materials and gear are needed to handle a bird of prey safely?
You’ll typically need a sturdy leather falconer’s glove (gauntlet), long-sleeved clothes and closed-toe shoes. The licensed falconer usually provides jesses, tethers, a hood, and the bird. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Have hand sanitizer or a place to wash hands afterwards, and carry any personal allergy medication if needed. Avoid loose jewelry and dangling accessories that could spook the bird.
What ages are suitable for attending a bird of prey handling demo?
Age rules vary by provider, but many centres welcome children aged five and up with close adult supervision. Older children (8–12) often follow instructions well and can safely handle birds with guidance. Toddlers and very young children may be too frightened or unable to follow safety steps. Always check the facility’s minimum-age policy, disclose any medical or behavioral concerns, and let the falconer decide if the child is ready on the day.
What safety precautions and benefits should parents know about this activity?
Safety first: a licensed falconer supervises every step, provides protective equipment, enforces calm behaviour, and handles the bird when risk is high. Keep distance from talons and beaks, follow instructions, and wash hands after handling. Benefits include increased confidence, hands-on learning about raptor biology and conservation, improved focus and respect for wildlife. The experience can inspire interest in nature while teaching responsibility and safety around animals.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
If I can't find a leather falconry glove, what can we use instead?
Ask the licensed falconer to provide or approve a heavy leather or thick work glove rather than using thin or makeshift gloves instead of the leather falconry glove mentioned in the instructions.
What should we do if the bird seems restless or won't settle on the glove during the demo?
Stay still and keep your gloved arm steady as instructed, follow the falconer's safety briefing, and ask the falconer to guide the small movement or return the bird to the handler if it remains unsettled.
How can this activity be adapted for younger or older children?
For younger children, have the adult book a shorter supervised demonstration and ask the falconer to let them observe and ask a question instead of wearing the glove, while older children can complete all steps including extending the gloved arm and trying the guided movement.
How can we extend or personalize the experience after the handling session?
After you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and share on DIY.org, create a labeled drawing or short photo caption about the bird and the falconer's safety tips and include how the guided movement felt to personalize your submission.