I could see the Harris’ Hawk perched on the crossbeam to the Arizona ranch’s gate, about 50 yards away. His silhouette stood sharp against the desert sky, a predator poised for action. He could see me too—my right arm raised, cloaked in a long leather glove. The anticipation crackled in the air. From behind me, Brian, his falconry near Tucson handler, let out a sharp whistle. The hawk shifted slightly, then launched into motion.
In an instant, he lifted from his perch, wings slicing through the air with precision. His powerful strokes propelled him forward at nearly 28 miles per hour, closing the distance between us with breathtaking speed. Within three flaps of his wings, he was nearly upon me. My heart raced as he came straight at me, his piercing gaze locked onto mine like a laser.
And then, with a grace that defied his raw power, he landed softly on my hand, as if descending from heaven itself.
On my glove, his deliberate hawk eyes peered into mine with an intensity that froze time.
His curiosity about me mirrored my awe of him—a silent exchange that left me breathless. I twirled slightly in place, overcome with pure ecstasy, dancing with the raptor perched on my hand like a living dream.
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My Sky Island Falconry adventure was easily one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life! It ranks right alongside trekking across Alaska’s Matanuska Glacier and dude ranching at Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona. I’ll admit, earlier that day as I headed to the falconry near Tucson meetup spot, a mix of excitement and nerves simmered within me.
The idea of standing face-to-face with a powerful raptor, let alone having one perched on my hand, was both thrilling and intimidating. Those sharp talons, designed for stabbing prey, and the fierce, hooked beak shaped for tearing flesh—it all felt a little daunting.
Any experience that requires thick leather gloves for protection gives me the heebie jeebies! Just the thought of slipping on a hawking glove reminded me of past moments when protective gear heightened my anxiety, like handling molten glass at the Corning Museum of Glass. But this time, I knew I was stepping into something truly extraordinary and worth pressing into facing my fears.
How did I transition from scaredy cat to novice falconer?
What transformed me from a nervous beginner to an eager novice falconer was the exceptional guidance and soothing presence of the experts at Sky Island Falconry, one of the premier falconry experiences near Tucson. Under the tutelage of Brian Wood and Nate Danforth, who co-founded this unique educational organization in 2020, our group of TravelCon bloggers was gently introduced to the world of falcons in Arizona.
The journey began with a mellow initiation, as we were first introduced to a little, itty-bitty owl, allowing us to gradually build confidence and immerse ourselves in this ancient art.
“Watch how he goes up on his toes, and his ear tuffs go up when he senses potential danger. He’s saying, ‘Don’t look at me, I’m a stick,’” Brian described, holding a tiny screech owl. And sure enough, the owl, speckled with the colors of mesquite bark, blended right into the sticks of the desert tree. This Eastern Screech Owl, bred in captivity, is very similar to the Western Screech Owl, native to the Sonoran Desert region.
The harmless owl sparked our curiosity, and I couldn’t wait to hold it myself. Soon, we were all slapping on our leather falconry gloves, eager to let the little being perch on our forefingers.
“Put your pointer finger out, like you’re shooting a gun,” instructed Brian. When I look around at my fellow travel bloggers to catch their reaction to the word “gun,” I see they’re poised as if shooting.
Holding the owl helped me to step into the role of falconer as I bonded with the little creature. His big eyes locked onto mine, and I could swear we shared a silent understanding. It was as if he was playfully demanding, “Get me some sunglasses.”
Embracing Falconry Near Tucson
I think the whole group was feeling more at ease once the falcon was introduced. This is the bird that gave the sport of falconry its name. We held the predator, which was hooded (that’s where the word ‘hoodwinked’ came from). By limiting their sight, the hood reduces stress and anxiety, allowing the bird to remain calm in new or potentially frightening situations.
When I held the falcon, Brian clipped the lanyard attached to his leg to my glove. In the old days, a falconer would wrap the lanyard around his pinky finger. And that’s where the phrase “wrapped around my finger” came from.
“When taking selfies, the bird may rotate to face the wind. So, watch that,” Brian advised. “A tailwind will ruffle his feathers, like Marilyn Monroe’s dress.”
Harris’ Hawk Hunt: A Falconry Experience Near Tucson
Before bringing out the big guns, Harris’s Hawk—known for its impressive wingspan of 41 to 47 inches (103 to 120 cm)—Brian and Nate told us what to expect next, another clever instructional technique to quiet our apprehension. We’re heading off-trail for an authentic hunting experience, using two Harris’s Hawks: a male and a female. “Females are the boss. He’s playing with fire, is what he’s doing,” Nate quipped as the chestnut-red male swooped after the larger female.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these hawks are renowned for their cooperative hunting style, making them the most social raptors in North America. Their teamwork and ease with humans have earned them a special place in falconry experiences near Tucson and education programs such as this one.
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The hunt isn’t over yet
We traversed uneven desert terrain, climbing up to a boulder field scattered with rough, dark formations. The hawks glided effortlessly between towering Saguaro cacti and the highest tips of boulders, keeping a “hawkeye” on any movement below.
Suddenly, a jackrabbit darted across the desert floor, catching their attention. The birds dive down from opposing directions as the jackrabbit takes off like a flash, zigzagging before diving into thick ground cover. It makes another dash for safety, but the hawks are relentless in pursuit. After an intense chase, the jackrabbit finally finds refuge.
But the hunt isn’t over yet. The female spots a cottontail and dives after it! The bunny’s white tail makes it easier for me to follow, and apparently for her. After darting down several rabbit trails, the cottontail hides under a massive brittlebush. The hawk plunges through the tangle of dried branches with precision. A piercing scream erupts as her talons strike home.
“Now every animal in the desert will know there’s a kill and will come,” Brian explains matter-of-factly. The rabbit’s death cry acts as nature’s dinner bell, summoning predators like bobcats, cougars or coyotes. Vulnerable during this moment of triumph, the hawk must carefully dislodge her talons from the rabbit’s body before securing her prize beneath her wings—a protective stance against potential scavengers.
“It never gets old,” Brian declares with passion. “There’s nothing like working with an animal that doesn’t need you but chooses to work with you anyway.”
Reserve the Hawk Walk experience October – March at Sky Island Falconry — one of Southern Arizona’s top-rated destinations for falcons in Arizona and falconry near Tucson.
Sky Island Falconry Experience holds its educational programs at various locations, including in the beautiful, remote desert range of White Stallion Ranch — offering visitors an unforgettable opportunity to connect with falcons in Arizona amidst breathtaking desert landscapes.
Click arrow on right to see the hawk come to my hand
What should I wear for a falconry experience near Tucson?
For a falconry experience in the desert, it’s essential to dress comfortably and practically to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips on what to wear:
Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton shirts and pants; jeans are particularly suitable as they repel cactus needles. These materials help keep you cool and comfortable in the desert heat. Loose-fitting clothes are ideal as they allow for ease of movement and prevent chafing. Layer up with a wind jacket (see below).
Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes that are sturdy and comfortable. Trail runners with thick soles (cactus spines pierced through one travel creator’s shoe sole on our trip) or hiking boots are excellent choices for desert terrain, especially when walking on rocky or uneven surfaces.
I wore my Frye boots, which are perfect for Tucson and the Sonoran Desert. They protect your ankles from cat claw bushes and prickly pear needles. Check out what I’m talking about!
Head and Face Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat or cowboy hat like mine and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. A bandana or buff can shield your neck and face from dust and sun exposure.
Additional Items: Consider packing a light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings or evenings, depending on the season. Additionally, bring snacks and plenty of water with hydration mixes, such as Liquid IV or Gatorade, to help manage dehydration in the desert heat.
By dressing appropriately, you can fully enjoy your falconry experience near Tucson while staying safe and comfortable in the desert environment.
Resources for Falcons in Arizona
The falconer-run Arizona Raptor Center provides science-based education and resources to conserve raptors and their environments. They conduct educational and humane scientific research to aid the conservation of raptors across America and worldwide.
The team of falconers offers world-class care and comprehensive medical treatment to rehabilitate raptors, allowing them to be safely returned to their natural habitats.
World Falconry Day
World Falconry Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to commemorate UNESCO’s recognition of falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
This day honors the rich cultural heritage and contributions of falconry to conservation efforts worldwide. Falconry enthusiasts, clubs and organizations mark the occasion with educational workshops, live demonstrations and social media campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of preserving birds of prey and their habitats.
The International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF) encourages participation by hosting events that promote a positive image of falconry, including visits to local schools to educate children about this ancient art.
By celebrating World Falconry Day, the global community comes together to appreciate the history and significance of falconry, which dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and beyond.
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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8 thoughts on “Falconry Near Tucson: When a Hawk Landed on My Hand and Stole the Show (and My Heart)”
Well done! I’m not sure I’d have the guts to try it.
But if you did get up the gumption, you’d love it! Like i did!
It looks like falconry was a fantastic experience! I would be a scaredy-cat, too!
You could do it! Yay!
Oh my goodness, I was just in Tucson and haven’t heard of this experience. I go to AZ every year so definitely bookmarking this! My uncle is a falconer, it’s such a cool concentration.
Thanks for your comment. Eileen! Glad we can spread the word about Sky Island FAlconry near Tucson! It was an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing about your uncle, too! Maybe email this article to him!
What a cool experience!
Thanks for your comment, Darla! Maybe the next time your there exploring the wine scene, you can do the falconry experience near Tucson