Frequently Asked Questions

How does a voucher work ?

Falconry experience gift vouchers from Bird On The Hand are designed to allow maximum flexibility in time and place. The vouchers are valid for 12 months from issue and the recipient can book a date to suit themselves. We will provide details with the voucher as how to book.

What does the voucher look like ?

Bird On The Hand falconry experience Gift Vouchers are individually printed with a personalised message if required. Falconry experience vouchers come in either a presentation wallet or our deluxe pack containing details of the voucher redemption process and a description of the chosen activity.

Can the recipient upgrade their voucher ?

Yes, they can swap it for an alternate experience or upgrade it, just paying the difference in price. You can also add further participants and/or spectators. Just phone us with your requirements.

I need my voucher in a hurry !

During the checkout process you can specify if you want normal first class or next day delivery. There is also a voucher available to download, click here for details. We try to send out all weekday orders made before 3:30pm on the same day, but this isn't always possible.

Where are you based ?

We hold our experiences in rural woodland and countryside just to the east of Leicester. Using the motorway network, journeys from many locations are quick and simple. Nottingham, Derby and Birmingham are just 40 to 50 minutes away with Luton, Stansted, Oxford, Stoke on Trent and Sheffield only 90 minutes away.

How secure is your payment providers ?

We use Google checkout and Paypal as our payment providers. Once you filled in all the details of the order you are automatically taken to your choice of provider to securely enter the payment details. You don't have to have a Paypal account and the sign up process for Google is very quick and simple.

Can we pay by cheque ?

Yes! During the check out process you can select cheque as the payment method. Once your cheque has been received your order will be shipped out. If paying by cheque please make it payable to "Bird on the Hand".

When are you open ?

Subject to availability, we are open throughout the whole year. We run our experiences at the weekend and during the week. Note that weekends are busiest and should be booked well in advance.

How big do the groups get ?

The activities will normally be in groups of between one and six participants.

What do I need to wear ?

Outdoor clothing with Wellington's or walking boots is recommended and a change of clothes if the weather is suspect and changeable. Bring your camera (check your batteries) and binoculars if you have them.

Can you do a vegetarian lunch in the woods ?

Yes ! if you let us know of any special dietary needs when booking I'm sure we can cater to your needs.

What do spectators experience ?

Friends and relatives are welcome on all our falconry experiences and they can expect a great day out too. They can operate your camera (video or photo), spectate, ask questions and be up close to the action of what will undoubtedly be a fantastic day out (they just miss out on handling the birds). We've had many comments on our visitors book saying what great time they have had too !

Can the day out be cancelled ?

This happens very exceptionally - lost birds, intruding birds of prey lost by other falconers, vandalism and break in etc but it has only been once so far.

Bad weather may also affect this experience. Please contact us to check the weather situation before setting out. If your experience is cancelled due to the weather it will be re-booked for an alternative date.

Anything else I need to know ?

Dogs are NOT permitted but if you wish to leave dogs in your car we have shaded parking and space to walk your dog as necessary.

The types of bird you will see will vary depending on such things as the time of year, weather conditions and the flying condition of the birds.

I need to ask more questions ...

You can reach us by phoning 08456 522543 or alternatively call Andrew on 07970 813053. Our address and email details are at the top left of the web site pages.

Check your booked day out weather conditions here