What is the minimum age to participate?

Minimum age is 9 years old for this program.

Are sessions wheelchair or stroller accessible?

No. The operator lists 'No wheelchairs and no strollers allowed' to protect both visitors and birds.

What happens in bad weather?

High winds or heavy rain can shorten or alter flights for bird welfare; the operator may reschedule or adjust the program.

Do I need previous experience handling birds?

No prior experience is required; handlers provide instruction and supervise all handling and feeding.

Can I take photos during the session?

Yes, photos are generally allowed but follow handler direction to avoid flash or approaches that could disturb the birds.

Will I be able to touch the birds?

Under supervision you will handle birds using a glove and participate in feeding and guided landings; unmonitored touching is not permitted.

Hands-On Falconry in Flemington: Fly a Hawk and Barn Owl (90-Minute Experience) | Wildlife | Workshop

Extended Session, Flemington, NJ is a 90-minute, hands-on falconry experience based at a meeting point listed as Flemington, NJ, with an operating location recorded in Hawley, Pennsylvania. This program puts participants in direct contact with raptors: first flying a hawk to your gloved hand, then switching to a barn owl for a second flight. The session opens on a training lawn where a handler briefs the group on safety, raptor biology, and the basic mechanics of falconry - how birds are called, flown, and fed. Key scene elements are the hawk's stoop and steady wingbeat, the barn owl's silent glide, and the leather glove, jesses, and lure that tie modern practice to centuries of tradition. Participants learn to read a bird's posture, offer food, and feel the subtle tug when a raptor docks. This is more than a photo op: it's tactile education. The staff balances hands-on access with strict welfare protocols; expect close-up encounters for feeding and short flights rather than extended free-flight displays. The program's minimum age of 9 makes it family-friendly, but handlers restrict wheelchairs and strollers to protect birds and visitors. Sessions run 90 minutes and are paced for newcomers - no previous experience required. What makes this a standout in the region is the dual-species format. Flying both a hawk and a barn owl in one booking gives contrast: the hawk's direct, fast flights versus the owl's near-silent approach. That variety makes the program a unique learning laboratory for eastern raptor behavior, and a rare opportunity near both Flemington and Hawley. Practical notes: arrive with closed-toe shoes and without strong scents; handlers provide gloves if needed but personal layers help in cooler months. Weather can alter plans - high winds or heavy rain may shorten flights for bird welfare - so check your booking details via the provided referral link. For visitors staying in the area, this experience pairs well with low-impact outdoor days: birding, short hikes, or visits to local conservation centers. The program emphasizes education and rehabilitation; many raptor experiences double as outreach to support rescued birds, so booking directly helps local raptor care and interpretation. Reserve your spot in advance; sessions often sell out on weekends and holiday periods. Check the minimum age of 9 before booking young participants and note the accessibility restriction: no wheelchairs and no strollers allowed. Whether you're a first-timer or returning for a deeper look at raptor care, this program balances thrill, respect for the animals, and practical learning.

About Masters Of The Skies

Masters Of The Skies operates professional falconry experiences in New Hope, Milford, and select resort locations. The company offers hands-on sessions that let participants fly hawks to a gloved hand, hold birds, and meet owls, including barn owl encounters featured in extended programs.

Programs include standard Falconry Experiences, Extended Falconry Experiences that run about 90 minutes, weekday summer sessions in Milford limited to eight participants, and multiple private options for families or groups. Extended sessions pair a hawk flight with a barn owl encounter; weekday sessions include free-flight with a Harris Hawk plus personal meet-and-greets with additional raptor species. Private and private-extended formats provide exclusive time with birds for small groups.

All sessions are open to participants aged nine and older; younger children may observe in some extended offerings without participating. The experiences combine practical handling, guided flight, and educational interpretation about raptor behavior and care. Sessions run at public meeting sites in New Hope and Milford and at occasional partner venues such as resort events.

Masters Of The Skies emphasizes safety and education through supervised, hands-on instruction and small-group formats. The company designs experiences to be approachable for first-time participants as well as rewarding for bird enthusiasts. Booking options include public dates, private bookings, and extended 90-minute encounters. Information about specific session lengths, age minimums, and group limits appears with each trip listing.

Instructors deliver step-by-step supervision during every flight and meet-and-greet, ensuring a safe, educational, and memorable raptor experience for participants and families, with all experience levels welcome.