west coast falconry

I recently took and introductory lesson in Falconry and the Owl Experience. I had another previous Falconry experience in Hershey PA. I found West Coast to be particularly good at the narrative that went along the activities of flying the birds. It was extremely informative and interesting. The birds are beautiful, and the activities well organized. Both of our guides were experienced, professional, and personable. If you have never done it, this is a good way to stick your toe in the water. Bring a camera.

We had an out of town visitor, and the 3 of us drove from Marin. Very pleasant trip, and right on the track of swan migration, which takes place November through January. We couldn't believe our eyes; saw literally thousands of swans in wetlands as we drove east. It's about a 2 1/2 hour trip to West Coast Falconry.It is located along a lovely country road outside of Marysville. The property is attractive, and you can buy fresh-laid eggs, among other things. Our first tour was the Basic Falconry Lesson, which featured Harris Hawks. There were 9 of us in the lesson. We stood in a circle, heard very detailed and interesting info about falconry, the birds they own, and the experience of hunting with them. We each decided to have a leather glove, and after clear explanations and practice, got to hold out our arms and call the hawk to our glove. Phenomenal experience. And of course we got photos with the bird. We thankfully had signed up for the Owl Encounter, in the next hour. We sat in a circle this time. There was a huge Eurasian Owl, with orange eyes; and after that, a barn owl, which was much more exotic than the name. They flew them over us from every angle, allowing for dramatic photos of those huge birds. And of course got detailed information, and all questions answered fully and knowledgeably.I now have a special place in my heart for both the Harris Hawks and all owls.

We discovered this gem about 3 years ago through a Travelzoo offer, but soon after got on their mailing list and now get some good deals from them every once in a while. We've done the Basic Falconry Lesson, Owl Experience & The Hawk Walk, and each one has been a very memorable and unique experience. The Falconry Lesson was a simplified/shorter version of the Hawk Walk, so I kinda wished we would've just splurged on the Hawk Walk from the beginning, but it is a more affordable introduction if you're not sure what you're getting into at first. I'd love to see more advanced experiences that required an introductory class first. Attending the Hawk Walk, we felt like we already had a basic background on the birds and how to properly handle them, and would've enjoyed that additional time handling the birds instead. But, wow, for someone who had never handled a bird of prey before, the Hawk Walk definitely throws you in head first! The trainers are so knowledgeable and passionate about birds of prey and falconry, it's definitely infectious. Next, we plan to come back to do the hunting excursion!

The staff at West Coast Falconry Center provide a top quality nature experience where you get hands-on work with the bird there and they provide a fun, but educational visit. It's a bit of a drive (north of Sacramento) but well worth it. You get about 1-1/2 to 2 hours for the Falconry basic (there are several different choices including a hawk walk, owl experience, and longer half-day and even an apprentice program twice a year). They're only open certain days a week due to their own training work that needs to get done. The staff is so friendly and attentive to the visitors and they do a great job of explaining the history, process of training and information about their birds. It was a range of people, young and old, who were there that day and everyone enjoyed their time and hated to leave. We were all able to cast off and have the hawks land on our glove more than once and to have photos taken at the end. We look forward to the chance to return for another of the sessions.

West Coast Falconry is a raptor training and hunting center located about 20 minutes east of Marysville. Jana is an expert falconer and offers one-hour, hands-on experiences with these fascinating creatures.First, plan for outdoor weather and allow an hour and a half to get to WCF from Sacramento. Arriving early will allow you to take some extra photos and check out some of the raptors in their cages. In late spring and summer, get an earlier morning appointment time because during summer, the Sierra foothill country can get hot - 100 degrees F or more.My daughter has always had a keen interest in raptors, so I had given her the experience as a birthday present. We arrived on a warm morning in late May. Spring Valley Road turns into a bumpy country land about a mile from the raptor center, so keep your eyes peeled for the sign on the left.We were impressed by how warmly we were greeted by Jana, and how exceptionally well trained and knowledgeable she is about the history, habits and needs of these incredible birds. She is apparently one (the first) of only twelve licensed falcon center operators in the U.S., and her informative and humorous banter kept our attention as she described how these birds have been a part of human culture for millennia.The actual time you'll have a bird on your arm is brief, but it's a great experience. Maybe if you have time, drive up Highway 20 afterward and have lunch or dinner in Nevada City. The drive from there up to Hwy 80 in Yuba Gap is scenic as well!

This was a wonderful experience with majestic raptors. The trainers were awesome and so very attentive to the birds' every need. Cant wait to go back for a longer experience.

We got a TravelZoo voucher for a 1 1/2 hour falconry experience. I only wished that we had booked a longer visit -- it was awesome! We went with our 13 year old son and happened to share the morning visit with a mom and her son who had been at the Harkey House Inn B&B in Yuba City with us that morning. West Coast Falconry is a small establishment in the beautiful countryside in the Sierra Foothills. The people that run it and who work there obviously care about and love their birds and the surrounding nature. In our short time there we learned about the care and training of these amazing hunters and had the opportunity to put on a glove and have a wild hawk come to us on command. By all means go to West Coast Falconry. If time permits, go for the half day or longer experience. They also have owl encounters. I saw that they have a short term summer camp for kids. I wish I could go!

Fantastic experience!!! It goes beyond your expectations. The girls make you feel like family. I will plan another trip for sure to experience the falcon encounter.

My 7 y/o son loves raptors and I got a groupon for an intro to falconry class here. Just had to take him. Was worth driving 2 hours from SF to see the smile on his face when he called Don Diego (a Harris Hawk) to his arm! Beautiful birds they care for and educate with. He wants to go back with the whole family for the 2 hour Hawk Walk.

WOW...if you've ever marveled at the beauty and wonder of hawks and other raptors, then this visit is a must. Fun history lesson about the magic & folklore of falconry sets the stage. Then the experience of calling a wild hawk to your outstretched (gloved!) arm and watching it hunt and feed - (not feeding on your arm that is) - is just amazing. They are truly magnificent, regal creatures! The guides are extremely friendly & passionate about their work and even with a fairly large group (10), there were many, many opportunities for individual photos and for each individual or couple to interact personally with the hawk(s). I highly recommend this one-of-a-kind adventure & plan to go back for the Hawk Walk. Good for singles, couples, or families.Just a brief word of caution...the drive was a bit longer than stated on MapQuest due to construction and traffic delays in Marysville. Give yourself plenty of time to get there so you can be relaxed upon arrival.

Great presenters for both the intro falconry and owl encounter classes. We learned a lot, got some practical hands on experience, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Bring good cameras, there are lots of photo opportunities. We are looking forward to the next class!

If you've ever been enchanted by falconers in the movies, the Hawk Walk is your chance to "glove up" and hike through beautiful oak studded hills with a master falconer. She taught us how to call Mari to our glove...what a rush when a large hawk flies right to you! Directly prior to the hike, our small group enjoyed a brief talk on the evolution of falconry as well as an introduction to West Coast's beautiful birds. Hope to go again.

An excellent class with two knowledgeable teachers in the history of falcons,hunting and watching Diego do his bird things. Well worth the trip to the Yuba Sutter Area for this over the top experience. We are still talking about it to friends.

Holding a raptor like Don Diego or Draga is something everyone should experience; making eye contact while they sit on your glove is a thrilling experience. We'll be bringing family and friends, this should be at the top of everyone's list. The instructors are the best and make it a lot of fun.

We participated in the Hawk Walk, which turned out to be almost 2 hrs. and our session had 10 people in it. This was a fun experience, although pretty pricey, which is why it got 4 stars rather than 5. The guides were certainly knowledgeable and answered all of our questions with ease. To have such a large and beautiful bird fly right at you and then so gently rest on your gloved hand was a pretty remarkable thing. All of the birds there were beautiful and appreared to be well cared for.