Talon and Flight

We spent a remarkable afternoon at a private residence in Ojai with a licensed Master Falconer, taking part in an unforgettable experience with Talon and Flight Falconry, a newly opened falconry school serving Ojai and surrounding areas. The property itself overlooks the Ojai River Preserve and mountains, offering a peaceful, natural setting where the hawks and owls flown at Talon and Flight feel completely at home. 

Denise Disharoon, who founded and runs Talon and Flight Falconry, along with her assistant Zelly, welcomed us and began the session with some bird trivia to test our knowledge on birds of prey, the types, and differences between them. They shared an educational and engaging talk on raptor biology, wildlife conservation and the ancient practice of falconry that dates back 10,000 years. This talk included fascinating facts on their natural instincts and the responsibility in caring for them. 

We were then guided through proper glove etiquette, raptor handling and safety, all in line with the traditional practices of falconry. Once we were prepared, we headed out towards the mountain views where we had the incredible opportunity to free fly a Harris’s hawk. Watching her soar, dive down, and return to the glove was both thrilling and deeply moving. This is all part of the Introduction to Falconry experience. Talon and Flight also offers an Owl Encounter & Flight experience where you can work with a Great Horned and Barn Owl on the glove.  A must do for a day in the near future. 

This experience is truly a memory to last a lifetime. Sharing it with loved ones felt like planting a seed-something we will always carry forward. We learned so much about these powerful birds, their strengths, the dangers they face, and the delicate balance of how they survive in the wild. 

I highly recommend Talon and Flight Falconry for anyone interested in wildlife, nature, or simply experiencing something extraordinary. 

To learn more and book directly, visit www.talonandflight.com

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