Can children participate in the Owl Encounter?

Yes, children accompanied by adults are welcome, with supervision for safe handling.

Are the owls wild or captive?

The owls are trained falconry birds cared for by professionals and not wild-caught during the program.

Is prior falconry experience needed?

No experience is required; the program is designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Outdoor sessions may be moved indoors or rescheduled; check with organizers ahead of time.

How close can I get to the owls?

Participants get hands-on opportunities under expert supervision to handle select species like Barn Owls.

Is photography allowed?

Photography for personal use is encouraged but should not interfere with the birds or session progress.

Owl Encounter Falconry Experience in Medina, Ohio | Guided Tour | Wildlife

Located near Medina, Ohio, the Izaak Walton League offers the Owl Encounter (Falconry 301), a rare chance to engage closely with some of the most fascinating raptors. This experience introduces visitors to both Old World and New World owls expertly trained in falconry, showcasing species like the ethereal Barn Owl and the imposing Eurasian Eagle Owl. Medina’s natural landscapes provide a quiet backdrop, enhancing the sense of connection to these silent hunters of the night.

The program goes beyond simple observation; participants learn the intricate training methods that enable owls to hunt with remarkable precision and stealth. The handlers share insights into the owls' environmental roles, highlighting their importance in local ecosystems as natural pest controllers and indicators of biodiversity health. Handling a Barn Owl or Eurasian Eagle Owl firsthand offers an unforgettable moment, revealing the unique textures and delicate wing structure responsible for their near-silent flight.

The Izaak Walton League is well-regarded in the Ohio outdoor community for fostering environmental education linked closely with wildlife conservation. This Owl Encounter stands apart by blending education with direct interaction, encouraging respect and understanding for raptors often overlooked in nature tourism.

Visitors typically travel from nearby Cleveland, Ohio, to enjoy this blend of wildlife learning and hands-on adventure. The experience suits that niche of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers eager to deepen their knowledge of falconry and raptor biology. With an emphasis on safety, environmental awareness, and personal engagement, this program delivers a memorable, measured dive into meditating on the power and mystery of owls.

About The Ohio School of Falconry

The Ohio School of Falconry, based in Columbus, Ohio, offers hands-on falconry experiences and raptor education across central Ohio. The school runs programs at Camp Mary Orton (Columbus), the Izaak Walton League (Medina), and Camp Kern (Oregonia). Participants encounter trained hawks, falcons, and owls in sessions designed for photographers, families, and nature enthusiasts.

Offerings include introductory courses (Falconry 101), intermediate walks with hawks (Falconry 201), owl-focused encounters (Falconry 301), and a dedicated photography day (Falconry 501) led by Master Falconer Joe Dorrian. Sessions vary from about 1.5 hours to 3 hours, giving guests hands-on time with birds in perched and free-flight settings.

Instruction emphasizes raptor behavior, handling fundamentals, and the ecological role of birds of prey. The Ohio School of Falconry integrates conservation education into each experience, explaining species significance and habitat needs. Programs include opportunities to photograph raptors, learn to call a hawk to a glove or lure, and handle select owl species such as barn owls and larger Eurasian owls where available.

Safety protocols and experienced handlers are present during every session. Equipment and handling techniques follow established falconry practices. The school serves participants aged nine and up for specific programs and tailors content to skill level and interest. As a regional provider of falconry experiences, The Ohio School of Falconry focuses on education, ethical raptor interactions, and memorable field-based experiences across central Ohio venues. Programs accommodate photographers and families while highlighting raptor conservation, bird identification, seasonal behavior, and ethical wildlife observation practices across all sites and outreach.