Sky Island Falconry

One of only a couple dozen licensed falconry schools in the US, the sky island falconry near Tucson offers a number of different opportunities to learn about the sport and interact with a variety of Raptors.We signed up for the "triple threat" encounter that featured three different birds of prey a barn own that everyone took turns holding, a small falcon and a finicky Harris Hawk named Jeffrey that we each got to fly and catch on our gloved hand a couple of times.We've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to interact with birds in a similar way in Vermont and California and the proprietors Brian and wife Carissa did a superb job providing great information about the birds and the sport. Their prices were fairly reasonable as well, but it's not a cheap sport so it was around $150-$200 per person for the 90-minute program. We enjoyed things so much we even signed up for the "hawk walk" program for the following day in which you walk through the dessert and help hunt with a Harris hawk. This was in a group of only 8 people and we took turns catching the Harris Hawk Jeffrey as he flew around landing on saguaro cacti looking for rabbits. While we weren't successful scaring up any bunnies, it was memorable walking among the flora with the bird.Thi

This is not something I would have thought of doing but my friends wanted to do it and I am so happy that we went. It is truly amazing to see all these wild birds (falcon, owl, hawk) up close and personal. It is breathtaking watching them and learning about them. Highly recommend this once in a life opportunity.

Today, my sisters and I discovered the Sky Island Falconry. We really did not know what to expect BUT we are from New York and have come to expect the unexpected.There are people who work to pay the bills but don't necessarily enjoy their job. We met Brian, a man who truly loves what he does. Whether its Falcon-speak, hawk-speak, owl-speak or any other birds of prey, Brian and Sky Island Falconry has the best educational, post and modern day history learning of the history of birds of prey. We were sooooo excited to have met Brian, learned from him his craft and allowed us to be a part of that. We were hands on, with Otto the owl and Jeffery the falcon. Brian let us hold Otto, explained his history, likes and dislikes about the species. Next, was Jeffrey the falcon. He flew around, landed on our gloves and learned all about Jeffery and his friends. We can say it was one of the most exciting moments we had experienced! If you are ever in Tucson, please, please do this educational experience with Sky Island Falconry. You won't regret it!!!Www.SkyIslandFalconry.org.

Terrific experience last Saturday with Brian Wood, and owl Otis and Jeffrey and one whose name I forgot. Brian is extremely knowledgeable and obviously loves what he is doing with his bird friends. If you are at all interested in birds and or falconry, I highly recommend Sky Island Falconry. The experience is a little bit different than that at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, but equally enchanting and thrilling.

I cannot recommend the Triple Threat Raptor experience enough. It was incredible.Being able to interact with these animals so close and see their power and grace was just amazing. Our guide, Brian was terrific, so knowledgeable, so hands-on, so friendly - just really wanted everyone to have an amazing experience and we did. They really prep you well so that you're dressed appropriately and know what to expect. Shout out also to White Stallion Ranch who hosts the experience. What a magical place.Stefanie M.

Brian was very knowledgeable and personable. It was clear that he has a passion for his birds and that they are well cared for. We all had an opportunity to interact with the birds. I highly recommend this experience to everyone. I can't wait to return with our grandchildren!

We had a fantastic experience with Sky Island Falconry! Brian and Jeffery are a great team. Brian does a wonderful job sharing the history of falconry and then lets Jeffery fly! A definite MUST DO in Tucson, AZ. Would go out with them again and again. Thank you for such an amazing time!