With nearly fifty species represented, the Center’s collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States. We offer visitors an up-close view to bird flight demonstrations and unique insight into the lives and impressive adaptations of birds of prey from around the world including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, kites and vultures.
We offer programs Thursday, Friday & Saturday mornings at 10:30 am, a staff guided tour at 1:00 pm and an Owls in Flight program at 2:00 pm.
The Center gives visitors the opportunity to explore the interesting and important world of raptors through an outdoor program, flight demonstration and a virtually guided tour. Through natural history discussion and observation of flight techniques and hunting styles, visitors come to a better understanding of these majestic creatures and the significant role they play as apex avian predators.
We currently offer programs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 am.
- Flight Demonstration at 10:30 am
- Staff guided tour at 1:00 pm
- Owls in Flight at 2:00 pm
The program and flight demonstration is often cited as the highlight of a visitor’s experience at the Center (this program usually lasts about one hour). Watch hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, kites, and vultures soar above the flying field. Seeing these birds perform their natural flying and hunting techniques provides a fascinating insight into their unique evolutionary adaptations. The natural behavior of raptors soaring, gliding and diving in close proximity to audiences young and old represent a most unique and memorable learning experience.
Although we do not offer mobility assistance or wheelchairs for guest use, our grounds are handicapped-accessible with level pathways consisting of a small pea gravel and are easily navigable. We also have benches located throughout the campus for those wanting to sit and enjoy a break or moment of natural beauty.
Important Scheduling Notes
These programs will not be available during the following holiday/event closures –
- November 26, Thanksgiving Day
- December 24, Christmas Eve
- December 25, Christmas Day
- January 1, New Year’s Day
Weather Policy
Programs are rain or shine, but if the weather includes thunder and lightning, delays and cancellations may occur to protect the safety of guests, staff, and birds;
In the event a program must be canceled, we will call you ahead of time and digital rain checks will be offered that will allow for your visit at a later date at no additional cost.
- $25 per adult, $17 per youth, children under the age of three are complimentary with a paying adult;
- See a Flight Demonstration with birds flown untethered just above the amphitheater;
- Enjoy a virtual self-guided tour of our campus to see birds you might not have been introduced to during the flight demonstration including nearly 14 species of owls from around the world in the Countess Paolozzi Owl Wood;
- Limited discounts are available at the time of ticket purchase for senior citizens and AAA cardholders.
On select days throughout the year, the Center will narrow the focus of our morning programming to allow visitors to explore groups of birds in greater detail. From natural history and identification in flight to conservation status and human interaction, our flight demonstrations and guided tours will take a “deep dive” into specific groups of birds like owls, falcons, and vultures.
Have you ever wondered how falcons can withstand over 10 G’s of force during a stoop? Or how vultures are able to digest bacteria-laden meat without succumbing to infection? How many owl species are there in the world and how many might I hear in my yard? How do bird moms (and dads) manage the needs of their developing young? Come join us for one or all of these special program days to increase your bird expertise!
Tickets for these special focus programs are $25 per adult and $17 per youth. These are rain or shine events. If we are required to cancel any of these programs due to severe or dangerous weather, the rain date will be one week later than the scheduled date.
Special Focus Programs
$25 per adult, $17 per youth, under three complimentary
These programs take the place of our normally scheduled morning programs at 10:30 am:
- September 2 – International Vulture Awareness Day
- October 28 – The Mysterious Life of Owls
Use the button below to book tickets for these Special Focus experiences.
Your visit provides operational support for the Center’s educational, medical, conservation, and research initiatives. We hope that your experience here will inspire an appreciation for birds of prey and a genuine concern for the diminishing habitat upon which they—and we—depend. All proceeds from your admission go to support the Avian Conservation Center, a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization.
