BIRDS OF PREY NATURE PROGRAMS
Birds of Prey Shows and Nature Events
Along with our feathered staff, Conservationist and Master Falconer Dale Arrowood of Winged Ambassadors will give you a live and exciting show with our Birds of Prey Show! Enjoy live flight demonstrations as you learn about Georgia’s indigenous birds of prey.
The cost per person is only $7 and free for children 4 and under.
Shows begin at 10:30 a.m. Check in at the main lodge 20 minutes before the show to purchase tickets. No reservations required.
2023 Show Dates:
- April 22nd and 29th
- May 13th and 27th
- June 10th, 17th, and 24th
- July 1st and 22nd
- August 5th , 19th, and 26th
- September 2nd and 16th - cancelled
- October 7th, 14th, and 28th
- November 4th
*Show dates are subject to change. Call our office for most up-to-date information.
MEET OUR MASTER FALCONER!
Meet Conservationist and Master Falconer Dale Arrowood and his Winged Ambassadors!
Dale Arrowood, Master Falconer
Dale started working with raptors in the late 60’s as a young boy growing up on the family’s farm in Palmetto, Ga. He became interested while watching Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom” on Sunday afternoons with Jim Fowler and Marlin Perkins.
When he began to work with and learn about these beautiful creatures, he developed an interest in the ancient art and sport of falconry.
Dale continued to work and hunt with his birds of prey while serving in law enforcement. After 27 years in law enforcement, Dale was forced to retire due to a cervical injury. However, his injury did not stop his work with raptors.
Soon after retiring, a job opportunity to work at Callaway Gardens presented itself to Dale. Dale trained their birds of prey as well as opened their raptor programs. He was able to stay and lecture for four years.
Dale had the fortune to work with Jim Fowler, Okeefenokee Joe and others who later aided him in fulfilling his dream of establishing an educational show called “Winged Ambassadors.”
Over the years, Dale has trained and flown several species of falcons, hawks, owls, vultures, and eagles. His show ranges from pure falconry purposes to education, and even lecture opportunities throughout the southeast.
During his leisure time, Dale spends time in the fields with his raptor companions, spending his day looking into the skies as the bonds with his birds of prey are renewed.
Dale brings extensive knowledge into his programs and receives support from both Auburn University and his life-long hero and close friend, Jim Fowler.
Come visit Dale and his Winged Ambassadors in our outside theater and experience our Birds of Prey Show.
MEET THE FEATHERED TEAM
Eurasian Eagle Owls
Czar is a Eurasian Eagle Owl. The Eurasian Eagle Owl is larger than most hawk species. Czar can grow to be as big as 22″ long and have a wingspan of 41″.
The Eurasian Eagle Owl is commonly found in North America, Europe & Russia. They are native to a Woodland habitat. They hunt small birds and mammals. They can attain sizes of 30 inches with a wind span of 6’2″. Their flight territory range is 1500 to 10,000 acres! They are very territorial and will attack bears or wolves if they come near its nest! When they find a mate, they are mates for life. In ancient times, the Eurasian Goshawk was considered a sacred bird and only allowed to be flown by nobility for falconry or hunts. Even with colder climates, these owl are very territorial do not migrate to warmer climates in winter. These owls can live up to 20 years in the wild and a distinct feature are their red orange eyes.
Barn Owl
The most widely distributed of the owl species, it is nocturnal and needs open spaces to hunt. Barn owls do not hoot but “screech”. Since many choose to nest in barns and old abandoned buildings, many an intruder has been scared silly by the eerie screech of these owls. Barn Owls mostly eat rodents and small mammals and can live up to 30 years old.
Red Tail Hawks
One of the larger raptors in North, Central and South America, red tails can be recognized by their distinct shrill cry. Red tails will mate at 3 years old and will mate for life. They hunt in pairs and will fight over food even in the air. Red tail eggs are Green inside! They can’t move their eyes and so must move their heads in all directions to see.
WHAT IS MANTLING?
Mantling is hunching or arching shoulders and spreading wings over a recent kill to conceal it from other birds and predators who would be potential thieves. In this posture, the wings are mostly spread and drooped to the ground, exposing the bird’s upper back, also called the mantle, which gives the action its name. The head is usually bent down to feed, and the tail is often spread and drooped to provide additional cover and counterbalance.
Many birds of prey, including hawks and falcons, practice mantling after a kill. While they are feeding on the ground, particularly in open fields, rocky ground, or similar areas with less shelter or cover to provide natural concealment, they are more exposed. Their instinct is to cover their prey and keep it out of sight so it is not stolen by a larger, more powerful predator, whether that is another raptor or any other type of lurking hunter or scavenger. At the same time, the mantling bird will eat rapidly in order to decrease the time they are vulnerable, storing large bites of meat in their crop for later digestion when they feel more secure and are not at risk of losing the meal. If you come across a raptor, do not approach until it is finished. The bird may attack the one approaching or leave its food, which will be a waste.
WHILE YOU'RE HERE, CHECK OUT THE BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SCENERY!
Every season at Banning Mills affords a beautiful nature experience on the historic and unique nature trails. Snake Creek Gorge presents a diverse and beautiful array of plants and wildlife.
We are not a park. All guests must register at the front desk before accessing any trail systems. There is a $7.00 per person charge to hike the trails. All Proceeds are donated back to the conservancy.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reservations are not required for the bird of Prey show. Please check in at the front desk 20 minutes prior to show start time for your map.
770-834-9149