Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a collection of our most asked questions if your isn’t on here please don’t hesitate to contact us either by email or telephone.

 

Contact Us

You can reach us by phoning 08456 522543 or 01858 540393

alternatively call Andrew on 07970 813053.

Or by mail at :

Bird on the Hand, Barn Owl Hollow, Stonton Road, Church Langton, Market Harborough, LE16 7SZ

Full contact details and map

How to find us

we recommend you use Google maps, Waze or WhatThreeWords to find us as sometimes in-car satnav can’t get you all the way to us.

Google maps Link

Waze Link

What Three Words : flickers.attends.kingdom

Terms and Conditions

Follow this link or see the menu at bottom of the page

Accessibility

Our site and the toilet is wheelchair accessible. Bear in mind that the surfaces are mainly grass and this is not Wimbledon but we reqularly have wheelchair users here and all have managed to traverse the site successfully.

Animal Activity Licence

We are fully licenced for the exhibitions of animals. Licence AW006 and must display our licence number and details on the website – Click here for full details

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 (some special offers have limited duration and other restrictions) and the recipient can book a date to suit themselves (subject to availability). We will provide details with the voucher as how to book. If you are looking for a specific date prior to purchase just get in touch and we will do our best to help.

Voucher Expiry Date

You need to take your experience before the expiry date. You cannot call shortly before the expiry date expecting to visit after the expiry date.  Allow plenty of time to get booked, summer weekends can be very busy.
Calling a few weeks (or less even) before expiry with excuses like “I have had a busy year / moved house / lost the voucher etc” will elicit little sympathy. If you are having problems, health, work or whatever, contact me when you are aware of them and I am likely to be much more sympathetic.

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.

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 ! See experience details for spectator charges.

Can the day out be cancelled ?

Other than due to weather this happens very exceptionally – lost birds, intruding birds of prey lost by other falconers, vandalism, break in and I might even be sick etc but it happens rarely.

Bad weather may also affect this experience. Please check the Event Status page on the website or contact us to check the weather situation before setting out. If you are booking a hotel bear in mind your session may be cancelled. If you want to call and discuss the weather outlook prior to a hotel cancellation deadline please do. If you need to reschedule a hotel due to doubtful weather that is not a problem. If your experience is cancelled due to the weather it will be re-booked for an alternative date.

Age Limits

For youngsters we start about seven years old but it is really about enthusiasm, attention span and physical capability. Most seven year olds are fine but I have seen some six year olds do even better. Some of the birds weigh about 1 kilogram and while we can help support the arm with the bigger birds it’s good if the kids can manage on there own.

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 (Monday to Friday service only and orders must be placed before 3 pm ). There is also a generic voucher available to download, there is a link in the email we send confirming your order. If you contact me I will email a copy of your actual voucher and the information sheets. We try to send out all weekday orders made before 3pm on the same day, but this isn’t always possible.

Where are you based ?

1. We hold our experiences in rural countryside at our location near Church Langton, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. 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.

2. We also have a venue near Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard. This sits in a superb little valley with some beautiful lakes and woodland and is adjacent to Stockgrove Country Park on the edge of the Chilterns This is where we hold Meet The Birds, Meet The Owls and Private sessions. These are fantastic half day experiences to get up close to our birds of prey and nature.

By train from London, Alders Farm is 30 minutes train and a 15 minute uber via Milton Keynes station. Being so well located it is only 90 minutes by car from central London.

Due to the nature of these events Bird on the Hand reserves the right to change the locations and format of the various experiences offered.

How secure are your payment providers ?

We use Paypal and Stripe as our payment providers. You can pay by credit or debit card without having a Paypal account. Once you filled in all the details of the order you are automatically taken to securely enter the payment details. You don’t have to have a Paypal account and alternatively you can pay by cheque or BACS.

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. All visits have to be pre-booked.

How big do the groups get ?

The activities will normally be in groups of between one and six participants on the half and full day sessions.  If you want a special day just for you (and friends or family)this can be arranged.

What do I need to wear ?

Outdoor clothing with Wellington’s or walking boots is recommended. The handling session is fairly static for the humans so if it is cold wrap up really well. Bring your camera (check your batteries) and binoculars if you have them.

Can you do a vegetarian lunch?

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

 

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. Please advise if you need shade as it is limited.

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.

Any unanswered questions please get in contact with us

Barn owl - Tyto alba - in flight on photography workshop at Bird on the Hand HQ