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Be a raptor wrangler
Friday, June 13th, 2008 by GetawayBC.com
If you’re looking for an unconventional adventure during your stay in Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, Raptors Ridge Birds of Prey just might be for you.
Opening each year in May, Raptors Ridge offers several different experiences for those wanting to learn more about the nature and handling of birds of prey, most notably hawks and falcons.
Raptors Ridge was developed by Karen Kamstra. She uses strictly captive-bred birds and has on-site a number of red-tailed hawks, Harris hawks, peregrine falcons and owls.
The facility is open by appointment, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are several different adventures to choose from, depending on how much time you care to spend and how much you want to learn:
- The Hawk Walk provides you with instruction on handling raptors, with a demonstration by a Harris hawk and falconer.
Learn about local birds of prey during this one-hour course.
Cost: $32 per person.
- Raptor Discovery is a three-hour course for those wanting to learn more about the handling of birds of prey. An experienced falconer teaches you how to approach, handle and pick up hawks and falcons.
Cost: $75 per person.
- Falconer for a Day is a full-day course lasting six hours, teaching enquiring minds the art of basic falconry. Experience the thrill of having a trained raptor fly to and from your fist, learn the falconers’ knot and how to make some simple equipment, assist in hunt training with decoys and learn more about birds of prey. Bring a packed lunch.
Cost: $138 per person ($145 with lunch).
- Falconry beginners course.
Five days. Learn the basics about falconry, like husbandry of birds, first aid, hunting and legal aspects of owning a raptor.
Contact Kamstra for more details.
Raptors Ridge is also seeking donations for its Barn Owl Box Project. In partnership with local schools, nest boxes are placed at selected sites for barn owls.
All courses must be pre-booked and are dependent entirely on good weather.
Raptors Ridge is located at 26021 100th Ave. in Maple Ridge. From Vancouver, follow Lougheed Highway east, making a left on 240th Street and a right on 102nd Avenue. Follow 102 until it becomes 100th Avenue and watch for the Raptors Ridge sign.
Info: 604-831-HAWK (4295).;