NASHVILLE ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Falconry 102 — Take the Glove: Hands‑On Raptor Work in Nashville
A focused, three‑hour workshop that turns aspiring handlers into active falconers for an afternoon—train, feed and fly your own bird of prey under expert supervision.
Falconry 102 — Take the Glove: Hands‑On Raptor Work in Nashville.
Adventure brief
Falconry 102 — Take the Glove: Hands‑On Raptor Work in Nashville
On a bright Nashville morning you move through the quiet routine of a working mews: checking birds, weighing and weathering them in the garden, and preparing rations before stepping into the intimate work of handling and flying a single raptor. This nuts‑and‑bolts class emphasizes practical husbandry and advanced flying techniques, including hands‑on time with an African Pied Crow, making it a rare apprenticeship‑style experience for those serious about falconry.
Set just outside Nashville, Tennessee, Falconry 102 offers an immersive afternoon that grants you the rare chance to step into the shoes of a falconer. This hands-on workshop isn’t your typical wildlife encounter — it’s a deep dive into the art and science of falconry, blending practical skills with the exhilarating experience of training and flying birds of prey. Located in the heart of Tennessee’s diverse landscape, this experience taps into a long tradition of falconry while bringing modern techniques and species to the forefront.
The session typically lasts around three hours and is designed for participants ages eight and up, accommodating up to six individuals per session. During the workshop, you will get direct interaction with remarkable birds, including the African Pied Crow, a striking and intelligent bird that stands out among traditional falconry species. This offering shines because it not only focuses on common raptors, but also introduces advanced flying techniques and bird handling skills that you won’t find in most falconry experiences.
Falconry 102 doesn’t just teach you to hold a bird; it introduces you to the full rhythm of caring for these magnificent birds. You’ll learn how to handle them safely, master feeding routines, and understand the subtle communication that allows a falconer to connect with their bird. By the end of the session, the joy of commanding a winged hunter in flight — soaring through wide Tennessee skies — is unforgettable.
What makes this experience a standout in the Nashville area is how it blends education with adrenaline, making it suitable for novices and those curious about raptor conservation alike. The practitioners running the workshop bring years of expertise, ensuring every detail — from safety protocols to sustainable bird care — is handled with professionalism and care.
Visitors often choose to stay in Nashville itself, combining this unique outdoor adventure with the city’s rich music and culture scene. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Falconry 102 delivers a rare chance to engage with nature in an active, respectful way, contributing to wildlife appreciation and conservation.
In a region more often associated with country music and sprawling parks, this falconry adventure introduces an unexpected yet deeply rewarding side of Tennessee’s outdoor offerings. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to train a bird of prey and become part of an ancient tradition updated for today’s adventurers, this experience is a must-book with The Adventure Collective.
Route Schematic
Route & Daily Flow
Stops outline the progression from care and prep to hands‑on handling and flying drills.
Morning Bird Check
Begin by checking the birds and assigning each participant a single bird to 'man'—including equipment fitting and weighing.
Food Preparation and Weathering
Prepare the bird’s food (which includes gutting) and put birds out for weathering in the garden prior to flying.
Handling Basics
Learn how to pick up and set down your bird, tie the falconer’s knot and walk with the raptor on the glove.
Training & Flying Drills
Focus on advanced training techniques and fly the bird to the fist, lure or drone; condition any birds that need flying that day.
This is a hands‑on class with age and participation rules: participants must be at least 12 years old (those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult); unpaid adults may accompany a minor but may not participate. Spaces are limited and prior approval or completion of the Elite Immersive Experience is required for some attendees.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Man, Feed and Fly Your Own Bird
Participants take direct responsibility for one bird: fitting equipment, weighing, weathering in the garden, preparing its food (including gutting) and learning to pick up, carry and set the bird down safely.
Advanced Training and Flying
The workshop focuses on in‑depth training methods—tying the falconer’s knot, walking with the bird, and flying to the fist, lure or drone—skills aimed at conditioning and practical flight work.
Work with an African Pied Crow
Alongside traditional raptors, the session includes time with an African Pied Crow, expanding the usual scope of a falconry class and offering a distinctive hands‑on encounter.
What the day feels like
What an Afternoon Feels Like
The three‑hour session follows the rhythms of a falconer’s day: morning checks and preparations give way to intimate handling and progressively demanding flying drills. Instead of a broad historical lecture, the focus is on one bird at a time—preparing its ration, donning its equipment, practicing knots and carries, then working on flying sequences that may include the fist, a lure or even a drone—an intense, technical immersion in field‑craft.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this afternoon suits—and who should opt for something else.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The workshop runs three hours and is priced at $195 per person.
Sessions are limited in size (up to six participants). Participants must be at least 12 years old; under‑16s must attend with an adult. Younger guests may be accepted case by case.
Expect hands‑on equipment work—fitting gear, weighing birds and preparing their food (including gutting)—and active participation in handling and flying drills.
Do not book unless you have completed the Elite Immersive Experience or have spoken with the operator and been approved to attend this advanced, hands‑on workshop.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Falconry 102 session?
The experience lasts three hours.
What is the cost per person?
The session costs $195 per person.
Are there age restrictions?
Participants must be at least 12 years old; anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Younger participants are accepted only on a case‑by‑case basis.
Do I need prior experience to attend?
You should not purchase unless you have completed the Elite Immersive Experience or have spoken with the operator and been approved to attend this advanced hands‑on session.
Can an adult attend with a minor but not participate?
Yes—unpaid adults may accompany a minor but are not permitted to participate in the hands‑on activities.
How many people are in each session?
Groups are limited to up to six participants per session.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-18T02:14:38.534Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.