The Keeping, Training and Flying a Bird of Prey course is designed to give learners a solid foundation in both theory and practical skills needed to keep and fly raptors responsibly. It is suitable for complete beginners as well as those already involved with birds of prey who wish to formalise and structure their knowledge.
The theory element is delivered as the Raptor Awards “combined course” and covers the full range of core topics required for responsible ownership and handling. Learners study:
C1 – Accommodation and equipment: designing and maintaining safe, secure housing and appropriate equipment for different species.
C2 – Feeding and nutrition: understanding diet, feeding routines and safe food handling to maintain health and condition.
C3 – Monitoring and maintaining health: routine checks, recognising signs of illness and knowing when to seek veterinary help.
C4 – Catching and restraining birds of prey: safe, welfare?focused techniques to minimise stress and risk of injury.
C5 – Legislation: key legal responsibilities relating to keeping, flying and displaying birds of prey.
C6 – Falconry furniture and equipment: correct types, fitting and use of furniture and associated equipment.
C7 – Species characteristics, purchase and collection: choosing a suitable species, ethical sourcing and safe collection.
C8 – Initial training, manning and weight management: establishing trust, manning routines and safe, structured weight control.
C9 – Flying an unrestrained bird of prey: principles of safe flying, risk assessment and public safety.
Alongside the theory, learners work one to one (or in very small groups) with an assessor to develop safe, competent practical handling skills. Practical sessions typically include:
Handling, including the falconer’s knot, picking up from and setting down on bow or block perches and using the safety position.
Fitting and removing equipment correctly (jesses, leashes, swivels, telemetry or GPS) without compromising the bird’s welfare.
Use of creance lines for controlled training, including safe tying, untying and calling to the fist.
Safe use of travel boxes, including placing birds in and removing them without risking damage to wings or tail.
Demonstrations of hood use where appropriate, weighing techniques to support weight management and feeding on the fist.
The principles of free?flying, including safe calling, recovery to the safety position and the use of telemetry.
The course is normally structured as a 5 day course or an equivalent schedule agreed with your assessor, allowing time to consolidate both theory and practical skills. If you are already keeping, training or flying birds of prey and would like to achieve the formal Raptor Awards certificate without repeating learning you already do, you may be able to complete via an assessment day or remote assessment, please contact the Raptor Awards team to discuss your experience and options admin@raptorawards.co.uk
In order to book your Keeping, Training and Flying a Bird of Prey Course please contact one of our assessors, you can see those that are closest to you via our map which will open when you press the button below. Alternatively, please contact us to recieve the contact details for your chosen assessor or for more information or help. You can find our contact form in the main menu above.