About Bird on the Hand
For more than twenty years Bird on the Hand has been creating unforgettable falconry and bird of prey experiences in the heart of the English countryside. Our team — Andrew, Duncan, Charlotte and Teri — bring together over 80 years of combined falconry experience. Each of them is passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring every guest has an enjoyable and memorable day.
Our Story
Our main home is Barn Owl Hollow near Market Harborough, a tranquil private ten acre setting with sweeping views across the Langton Caudle Hills. We also host sessions at Alders Farm near Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard which offers a lakeside and woodland setting on the edge of Stockgrove Country Park.
What Makes Us Special
Trusted for over two decades
Guests consistently recommend us with more than 500 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and over 250 five star ratings on Google.
Private and peaceful venues
Our countryside locations are exclusively used for our falconry sessions meaning you enjoy a calm and personal experience away from crowds.
Meet The Bird on the Hand Team
Andrew
Founder of Bird on the Hand, Andrew has been working with birds of prey for more than five decades. He is known for his depth of knowledge, calm approach and the ability to make every visitor feel at ease around the birds.
Experiences at Our Venues
Our falconry days range from half day owl encounters to full day experiences and specialist photography sessions. Every experience is led by expert falconers who bring you close to owls hawks falcons and eagles while sharing their knowledge and passion for these remarkable birds.
Outreach and Special Events
Alongside our venue based days we bring the magic of falconry to you.
-
School visits – inspiring and educational sessions tailored to different age groups and linked to the curriculum.
-
Care home visits – gentle and engaging encounters designed to bring joy and comfort to residents.
-
Weddings – spectacular flying displays to entertain your guests or the unique option of an owl ring bearer for a truly memorable moment.
-
Corporate events – interactive falconry displays and activities that provide a fresh alternative for team days or client entertainment.
-
Off site displays – dynamic demonstrations at shows and community events bringing birds of prey up close to a wider audience.
Accessibility
We want our experiences to be enjoyed by everyone. Wheelchair users are welcome although please note that our events take place on grass surfaces and at Alders Farm, Milton Keynes it is more challenging so please discuss to ensure you can have a safe and enjoyable visit.. Our falconers are highly experienced in working with SEND children and adults and all staff are fully DBS checked for your peace of mind.
Money Back Guarantee You Will Enjoy Yourself
We want you to book with complete confidence.
If you purchase a falconry day as a present and later find it does not suit the recipient you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
We also guarantee that the participant will enjoy their day with us. If for any reason they do not we will refund the cost.
Full details of our guarantee can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Why Guests Choose Us
Our long standing reputation rests on a simple promise to provide professional friendly and unforgettable experiences in beautiful surroundings or at your chosen location. We combine expert care for our birds with an attention to detail that ensures every event leaves lasting memories.
Meet The Team
Duncan
Duncan has been involved in falconry since his teenage years and brings a wealth of practical experience to the team. Guests often comment on his engaging style and the way he explains the traditions and techniques of falconry.
Charlotte
Charlotte has a special interest in owls and enjoys sharing their unique behaviours with visitors. Her enthusiasm and friendly manner make her particularly popular with families and younger guests experiencing falconry for the first time. She is especially effective in tailoring sessions for schools, SEND visitors and community groups.
Teri
With many years of falconry and display experience, Teri is skilled at helping people build confidence when handling birds of prey. She has a background in education which is a great asset when presenting all the fascinating information about the birds.