West Virginia Master Class Falconer who was the director of a raptor rehab center for a year, Collin Waybright, has been working with birds of prey since he was 14! He has made an impression on many who often say, "He makes training birds look so easy!"
The Falconry / Bird of Prey presentations are tailor made for the intended audience. Whether you want to learn what the art of falconry is, the ecology of raptors and why they are so important to the environment, or can an owl really turn it’s head all the way around, we have the material and live birds to keep any age audience fully engaged in the learning process and separate fact from fiction. Find out what it takes to become a falconer in the state of West Virginia and the proper care of these amazing birds, while learning the fascinating story of how Collin became a falconer at age 14. Book a presentation by calling 304-402-7095 or email laurelforkfalconry@yahoo.com
Educational Presentation
One of the youngest, licensed Master Class Falconers in the state of West Virginia, Collin has been practicing falconry since he was 14 years old. He started this adventure by trapping his first falconry bird, a Red-Tailed Hawk named Ace, from the wild. Collin has also trained an American Kestrel for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA, and is one of the youngest people in the US, at the age of 18, to work with a Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle, Mr. Spectacular, is a non-releasable bird and is now an educational ambassador. Collin is a homeschool graduate and that in itself allowed him to follow his passion as a falconer and educator hoping to impact his home state of West Virginia by providing educational presentations that help people understand the nature of birds of prey and help people realize that they are a very important part of the environment in which we live. Right after graduation, he spent 10 months working at the Ararat Ridge Zoo located at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY. Armed with over 9 years of experience being a falconer, working with a Raptor Rehab Center, and the Ararat Ridge Zoo, Collin has worked with a number of different birds including some that a raptor would consider "lunch". Collin was the Executive Director of a raptor rehab center in West Virginia for over a year and traveled more than 10,000 miles doing Raptor Educational programs. In the summer of 2022, Collin presented a falconry program for the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the European Union in Washington DC. People are often amazed at Collin's God-given talent of working seemingly effortlessly with birds. Of course, if you ask him, he will assure you that there is more to training birds than what meets the eye.
"Best weekend ever resounded from the backseat the whole way home! They still haven't stopped beaming. So grateful for the opportunity to meet you and learn from you."
Tabitha Jones Wohleber
"So much fun!"
Barefoot
"We had a blast with Collin and Eddie! Thanks for all the information and great experience!"
Kristen
"Inspired and still reeling from my time with Master Class Falconer, Collin Waybright."
Holly Wach
Charleston makes makes a great subject!
Eddie puts on a show!
The final product is absolutely stunning!!
What an honor it was to receive this note of encouragement from the Secretary of the State of West Virginia, Mac Warner. Thank you sir for your kind words.
Charleston is a non-releasable Barred Owl used for education.
Rico is a non-releasable Red-Tailed Hawk used for education.
Hardy is a Red-Tailed Hawk in training as a falconry bird.
Eddie is a Harris Hawk, in training as a falconry bird.
Lance is a Peregrine Falcon and the newest member to the team.
Would you like to see a falconry presentation or book one at your next event? Check out our calendar of events below, or give us a call! The Laurel River Club BnB will help you make a reservation or book the Laurel Fork Falconer for your event. 304-402-7095
Ruby Community Center Mylan Park Morgantown WV
The largest outdoor show in the region! For more information visit https://wvoutdoorsportsshow.com/
Ruby Community Center Mylan Park Morgantown WV
Hampshire County Fairgrounds, Augusta WV
For more information visit https://cometohampshire.com/wildinwv/
Hampshire County Fairgrounds, Augusta WV
Elkins Division of Natural Resources Operational Center 738 Ward Road Elkins WV
The public is invited.
Elkins Division of Natural Resources Operational Center 738 Ward Road Elkins WV
Laurel River Club BnB Jenningston WV
The public is invited.
Laurel River Club BnB Jenningston WV