Laurel Fork Falconry
Master Class Falconer, 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!"
Who is the Laurel Fork Falconer
Collin Waybright
Collin is a Master-Class, licensed Falconer and is the youngest Master-Class Falconer in the state of West Virginia. He started this adventure by trapping his first Red-Tailed Hawk, Ace, from the wild when he was only 14 years old. 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 to train a Bald Eagle. The Bald Eagle, Mr. Spectacular, is a non-releasable bird and is used for educational programs with The West Virginia Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Fairmont, WV. Collin was home-schooled and graduated in 2018. Right after graduation, he spent 10 months working at the Ararat Ridge Zoo located at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY. Over 7 years of experience working with the WVRRC and the Ararat Ridge Zoo has allowed Collin to work with a number of different birds including some that a raptor would consider "lunch". 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 meets the eye.
Meet the Birds
Charleston
Charleston is a non-releasable Barred Owl used for education.
Rico
Rico is a non-releasable Red-Tailed Hawk used for education.
Hardy
Hardy is a Red-Tailed Hawk in training as a falconry bird.
Eddie
Eddie is a Harris Hawk, in training as a falconry bird.
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
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