January 2, 2015: Birds of Prey in the South Bay

Have you ever seen a falcon or hawk up close? I mean really close…..like having one perched on your hand?

Point Discovery at Terranea Resort offers guests and visitors an up-close and personal Birds of Prey Experience.

Make an appointment for a private demonstration and learn the history of these magnificent birds including Falcons, Harris Hawks and Eurasian Eagle Owls.

The Falconers will explain the general identification of the birds, the role they play at Terranea (these are working birds!) and their importance to the environment.

After the demonstration, head to Nelson’s and put your name on the list for lunch and while you’re waiting, take a stroll down the path to the beach. The whales are migrating south so chances are you’ll spot one.

Be sure to bring a camera – this experience is one for the books!

Mankind has employed birds of prey to hunt for thousands of years. Falconry is “the taking of wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of a trained raptor” and the sport has been around for a long, long time.

Have you ever had an opportunity to view a hawk or falcon up close and personal? Have you ever watched them hunt? Falconry is a fascinating pastime and if you’ve ever wondered about this ancient pursuit and would like to learn more about it, you’re in luck.

Terranea Resort, located on the bluffs in Palos Verdes, instituted a falconry program to manage a large seagull population in an eco-friendly, non-lethal manner. Basically, they scare off the seagulls. The program has been a huge success and is extremely popular with guests.

Terranea offers a first-hand experience with these magnificent birds. You can make an appointment for a private demonstration and learn the history of these birds of prey including Falcons, Harris Hawks and Eurasian Eagle Owls. The falconers will explain the general identification of these birds and the important roles they play not only at Terranea but in the environment as well. The demonstration is one hour long and costs $99 for adults, $49 for children.

It’s a given the adults will enjoy this as much as, if not more than, the kids.

For additional information and to make an appointment, call Point Discovery at Terranea Resort at 310-265-2851 or visit the website at http://www.terranea.com/california-family-vacations