Bird of Prey Photography Experience
Enjoy a dedicated bird of prey photography experience designed for visitors who want close access to trained hawks, owls and falcons. This session focuses on creating high quality photographic opportunities while working safely and calmly with the birds.
Up Close Encounter for Photography
This bird of prey photography experience offers an up close encounter with the birds without direct handling. Photographers are positioned close to the birds as they fly, perch and move naturally, allowing for detailed images while the birds are managed by experienced falconers.
Location and Licensed Falconry Centre
The experience takes place at Mercer Falconry Raptor Park within Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park in Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire. As a zoo licensed facility, the site operates under regulated welfare standards, ensuring the birds are handled responsibly throughout the photography session.
Photography and Learning Opportunities
Visitors are encouraged to take their own photographs throughout the experience, including flight shots and close up portraits. Dan or Cerys guide the session, explaining each species’ behaviour, movement patterns and positioning to help improve photographic results.
Access and Visitor Facilities
Free on site parking is available, along with accessible pathways and clean toilet facilities. Cafes within the park offer drinks and refreshments, allowing you to relax before or after your bird of prey photography experience.
What’s Involved?
10:30 Arrival
When you arrive at 10:30 you will wait by the main ticket entrance in the car park, where Dan or Cerys will meet you and walk you into the park. There is a quick stop at the toilets before we head up to the Raptor Park. Once there, you will get a short health and safety chat and a clear outline of what the session includes.
10:45 Start
At around 10:45 the first bird comes out and the experience begins. The bird will be positioned on a natural looking perch for static shots and then flown between perches for flying shots. Several different birds will come out during the session so you can see how each one flies and behaves.
12:15 Take a look around
At 12:15 you can wander around the aviaries, look at the rest of the birds and use the toilets if needed.
12:45 Flying Display
Everyone returns to the seating area for the 12:45 flying display, where Dan and Cerys fly a range of birds and give live commentary.
13:15 End
When the display ends at 13:15 you will be walked back down to the entrance and out to the car park to finish your visit.
MERCER FALCONRY Raptor Park Location
Mercer Falconry Raptor Park, Robin Hoods Wheelgate Park, Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HX
