Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration

Birds of prey change the way you see the sky. This 90-minute Colorado Springs class gives you a close look at falconry, an ancient hunting sport, while a licensed falconer explains how eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons live and hunt. I especially like the free-flight hawk demonstration and the chance to hold a trained Saker Falcon while wearing a leather glove. The main thing to consider is the price: at $217.20 per person, this is a special-interest activity rather than a casual budget stop.

I also like the friendly, personal teaching style. Guides including Deanna, Roger, Nicole, and Sara are praised for clear explanations, humor, patience, and a real love of the birds. Morning and afternoon start times make it easier to fit into a Colorado Springs visit, though the outdoor setting means poor weather can change the plan.

What makes this class special

• A hawk flies free in the surrounding countryside, giving you a view of trained flight rather than only a caged-bird presentation.
• You hold a Saker Falcon with a leather glove under the direct care of a licensed falconer.
• The lesson covers several bird types, including eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, with attention to their different hunting styles.
• The 90-minute format stays focused, offering a useful introduction without asking you to commit to a full-day course.
• Guides bring humor and practical knowledge, with Deanna, Roger, Nicole, and Sara all singled out for making the class welcoming.
• An advanced course is available, making this a good first step if the subject grabs you.

Starting at Broadmoor Outfitters in Colorado Springs

The class begins at Broadmoor Outfitters, at 6 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906. It also ends there, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup point or work out a complicated return route.

The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in the Colorado Springs area without a car. The supplied details do not give a full transportation plan or hotel pickup service, so I would treat the listed address as your responsibility for arrival. Build in enough time to reach the meeting point before the start.

The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation arrives when you book. The group can include up to 20 people, a size that allows the guide to speak to a proper class while still keeping the glove portion organized.

The opening lesson: four kinds of birds, four different hunters

The class begins with an introduction to falconry and the birds connected with it. You learn about eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, not as interchangeable birds with sharp talons, but as animals with different strengths and ways of finding prey.

That comparison is one of the best reasons to book. A falcon’s flight and a hawk’s approach are not the same, and owls bring their own set of traits. The class helps you see predation as a natural system built around speed, vision, hearing, timing, and instinct.

The topic is also a useful reminder that falconry is not simply a photo opportunity. It is an ancient sport tied to hunting and to a close understanding of bird behavior. The presentation gives you a better sense of the skill involved in working with these animals.

Guides such as Deanna and Roger have a reputation for explaining the subject in plain language. That matters for beginners. You do not need a background in birds, and the teaching is designed for the average person who wants a first look at falconry.

The tone appears to be relaxed rather than stiff. Deanna is often praised for humor and an easy manner, while Roger is noted for his passion and ability to answer questions. Nicole and Sara also help with the group and the practical side of the class.

Meeting the birds before the flight

The experience may include time near the bird enclosures and a visit inside the owl room before the outdoor flight work begins. These moments give you a closer look at the animals and help put the later demonstration in context.

You might also have the chance to pet some of the birds, depending on the way the session is handled. That is a memorable detail for families and bird lovers, but the central value is observation and instruction, not guaranteed contact with every bird.

The guides control the pace and decide how each bird participates. The birds engage by their own will, so you should not expect a mechanical show where every action happens on command. That is part of the appeal, but it also means the experience has a natural element of uncertainty.

This point deserves emphasis. You are seeing trained birds, but you are not watching a circus act. The falconer works with the bird and presents the experience while respecting the animal’s behavior. If you want an activity based on genuine bird handling rather than repeated tricks, this approach will suit you.

Watching the hawk fly free

After the discussion, the hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside. The setting gives the class room to show what these birds can do outside a small enclosure.

This is the part I would expect to stay with you longest. A hawk in flight can make the earlier explanation about hunting feel real. You are no longer only hearing about speed, control, and awareness. You are watching the bird use open space.

Some sessions include a walk through the woods with a hawk. That adds movement to the lesson and gives you a different view of the bird than a stationary presentation. Instead of spending the full 90 minutes in one place, you may shift between the cages, the owl room, wooded paths, and the open countryside.

The outdoor element also brings the main practical limitation. This activity requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator offers another date or a full refund, but an outdoor class can still be less predictable than an indoor museum visit.

Wear clothing that makes sense for time outside, although the supplied details do not specify a dress code. Because the activity centers on birds and open-air demonstrations, anyone who dislikes outdoor conditions or feels uneasy around large birds should think carefully before booking.

Holding the Saker Falcon

The lesson finishes with each student having a chance to put on a leather glove and hold the trained Saker Falcon. This is the clearest hands-on moment in the class.

A Saker Falcon is a striking bird, and holding one gives you a direct sense of its size, balance, and presence. You are not merely looking through a fence or watching a distant flight. Under the falconer’s supervision, you become part of the lesson.

The handling is structured and guided. The licensed falconer oversees and presents each experience, so you are not left to guess how to position your arm or approach the bird. This is especially helpful if you feel excited but slightly nervous.

Photography is also part of the appeal. Staff assist with pictures so you can document the glove experience. I would still keep your attention on the falcon first. The photograph is a nice record, but the value lies in noticing the bird at close range and listening to the guide’s instructions.

The activity is not recommended for anyone with a fear of birds. That warning is sensible. Even a calm, trained falcon has talons, a hooked beak, and a strong presence. If you are unsure, you may enjoy the educational portion but find the handling segment intense.

How the 90-minute schedule feels

At about an hour and a half, the class is long enough to offer substance but short enough to fit beside other Colorado Springs plans. You can choose a morning or afternoon time, which makes it easier to pair with sightseeing, a meal, or another activity.

The schedule usually moves through several distinct parts:

• Introduction to falconry and the birds of prey
• Discussion of hunting styles and bird behavior
• Time around the cages and, in some sessions, the owl room
• Outdoor hawk flight and possible walking portion
• Glove handling with the Saker Falcon
• Time for questions and photographs

The exact balance may vary because the birds participate by choice. That is worth remembering when planning your expectations. You are booking a class with live animals, not a timed stage performance.

The experience has received praise from couples, solo visitors, and families. Children as young as 8 have enjoyed it, according to the supplied experiences, and an 11-year-old also took part. Still, the operator states that most people can participate rather than promising that every age or ability level will be suitable.

Is $217.20 a fair price?

At $217.20 per person, this is expensive for a 90-minute activity. You are paying more than you would for a standard attraction, short nature walk, or general sightseeing stop.

The value comes from the specialist access. The price includes instruction from a licensed falconer, close contact with trained birds, a free-flight demonstration, and a glove-handling session with the Saker Falcon. It is also a small enough experience, with a maximum of 20 participants, to feel more personal than a large wildlife show.

I think the cost makes the most sense for three kinds of people: serious bird lovers, visitors with a long-standing interest in falconry, and anyone looking for a rare experience that is difficult to duplicate during an ordinary trip. It is less convincing for someone who simply has an hour to fill and wants a cheap attraction.

The possibility of returning for an advanced class also adds value for people who become absorbed in the subject. Several participants have expressed interest in taking a next-level course, so the introduction can serve as more than a one-time photo stop.

Who will enjoy this most?

You are a strong match if you:

• Like birds, wildlife, or traditional hunting practices
• Prefer hands-on learning to passive sightseeing
• Enjoy asking questions and learning from a specialist
• Want an unusual Colorado Springs activity
• Are comfortable spending time outdoors
• Can appreciate animals acting on their own terms

Families can enjoy it, especially with children who are curious about animals and able to listen to instructions. Couples also get a distinctive shared activity, and solo visitors can take part without needing a partner.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you have a fear of birds, dislike outdoor activities, or want guaranteed close contact with every animal. You should also be comfortable with the fact that poor weather can force a change of date.

Booking, cancellations, and practical details

The experience is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the activity begins and ends at Broadmoor Outfitters, 6 Lake Ave.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations inside that period are not refunded. Cutoff times follow local Colorado Springs time.

Because weather matters, a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with the choice of another date or a full refund. That policy gives you useful protection, especially when you are planning an outdoor activity during a changeable forecast.

The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. No separate accessibility details are provided, so if you have specific mobility needs, contact the provider before booking rather than guessing how the outdoor portions will work.

Should you book the Colorado Springs falconry class?

I would book this if you want a close, thoughtful introduction to birds of prey rather than a standard wildlife display. The free hawk flight, the Saker Falcon handling, and the personal teaching from guides such as Deanna and Roger give the class real substance.

At $217.20, it asks for a serious budget commitment. But for a bird lover, a falconry enthusiast, or a family searching for a memorable Colorado Springs activity, the price can make sense. Book it for the learning and the live-bird experience, not just the photograph, and you will have the right expectations.

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 birds will I learn about?

The lesson discusses eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons, including differences in their abilities and hunting styles.

Will I get to hold a bird?

Each student has an opportunity to wear a leather glove and hold the trained Saker Falcon under the supervision of a licensed falconer.

Will I see a bird fly free?

The hawks are flown free in the surrounding countryside as part of the class.

Are morning and afternoon times available?

Yes. The experience offers both morning and afternoon tour times.

Is the class suitable for children?

Most people can participate, and the supplied information includes families with children aged 8 and 11. The operator does not provide a specific minimum age.

What happens if bad weather cancels the class?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.