Avian Behavior International - Escondido, California

Mrs. B.

Our group did the Hawk Walk and it was a very nice and unusual experience to be able to have a hawk safely land and sit on your arm (with help from the handlers)—without going thru the many years of training you would otherwise need to be able to interact in such a way with a bird of prey. The facility is very well-kept and has a number of other unusual birds and animals. (A reservation is required.)

Maliya M.

My boyfriend and I recently visited the Avian Behavior International Center at the end of December for the Owl Prowl and Falcon flight experience, and our expectations were met above and beyond! Katie, Noelle and Emma were fantastic guides, incredibly knowledgeable about all the species we met and passionate about taking care of their owls and answering all our groups questions. They made sure I felt safe and comfortable the entire time and I'm very grateful and so happy we decided to come down. I have a new love for owls, especially for Guinness the Eurasian Eagle Owl! I would love to come back again in the future! Thank you so much ladies and to Ripley, Beatrix, Guinness, Halley and of course Percy!

Tim B.

4 of us visited and had an incredible experience. Katie and Noelle were informative, personable and a pleasure to spend time with while we met the owls. Ripley was the first owl we met and was very well behaved and comfortable. All of the birds we met and handled were absolutely stunning up close. The detail of their feathers and colorations were simply magnificent. We met other birds after the handling experience including one that loved its head scratched. It was an experience none of us will ever forget.

Justin B.

We loved the Owl Handling Experience at Avian Behavior International. I took my wife and my mom and well loved being able to handle 3 different owls and see all of the other wonderful wildlife on the property. The handlers were very kind and insightful.

David P.

My wife and I visited the Avian Behavior International Center as part of our honeymoon last year - we contacted Hillary and her staff ahead of time and they were incredibly accommodating and welcoming. They allowed us to create a custom visit that fit our traveling schedule and allowed us to do the activities we were most interested in! We did a hawk walk and owl prowl and they were both incredible. The entire staff knows SO much about the birds that they care for, and are truly creating such a beautiful bridge between animal and human behavior. The whole operation is the definition of compassionate stewardship, animal care, and passionate education.

Veronica C.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Avian Behavior International Center and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by a knowledgeable and passionate team dedicated to the well-being of their birds. The center is a haven for avian conservation and education, and it’s clear that they prioritize both the birds’ health and their ability to engage with visitors in meaningful ways.

The highlight of my visit was the one-on-one time I had with the owls and a majestic falcon. I’ve always been fascinated by these birds, but getting up close and personal with them was truly awe-inspiring. The handlers were incredibly skilled and explained the behaviors and unique characteristics of each bird. I learned so much about owl communication, their incredible vision, and the delicate art of falconry.

The owls were simply mesmerizing—silent in their movements but with an undeniable presence. I had the chance to observe them closely, watching their keen eyes track my every move, and even felt the soft brush of their wings as they flew across the space. The falcon, on the other hand, was an exhilarating experience. The speed and grace of these birds in flight is something you have to witness to truly appreciate. It was a thrilling moment when the falcon took off in a dramatic, swift flight, returning with impeccable precision.

Aside from the owls and falcon, I had the chance to meet a wide variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, and smaller species. The Center offers a rare opportunity to interact with these incredible creatures, all while learning about their natural behaviors, conservation efforts, and the importance of these species in our ecosystems. It was humbling to hear about the Center’s work in rehabilitation and education, as they play an essential role in protecting these majestic birds for future generations.

The facility itself is clean, well-maintained, and designed to create a stress-free environment for the birds. The staff is not only knowledgeable but also deeply committed to their welfare. It’s evident that the team works tirelessly to ensure that each bird has a safe and stimulating environment, where they can thrive.

If you're passionate about wildlife, birds of prey, or just looking for a unique experience, I cannot recommend the Avian Behavior International Center enough. It was a thrilling, educational, and enriching experience that left me with a greater respect for these magnificent creatures and the work being done to preserve them.

Guillermo N.

Beautiful birds and a beautiful experience. My wife and I did the elite bird experience for our wedding anniversary and it was worth every cent. Truly an unforgettable experience for bird lovers. We would recommend it to others and will likely do it again in the future.

Michelle C.

My boyfriend arranged for a visit to the center on 11/13/24. It was on my bucket list to have a close-up owl/raptor encounter, so my boyfriend took me for my birthday. First of all Hillary and her staff are amazing! They were so welcoming. I am disabled and they made very effort to make our visit as easy and comfortable for me as possible. They are experts in their field, and their relationship with these breathtaking and majestic creatures is very impressive. These gorgeous birds have such trusting relationships with them, and it's very apparent Hillary's training techniques are very effective. Her vast experience and respect for these animals is admirable. If you haven't been to the center I highly recommend a visit. You won't regret it! Thank you Hillary & staff for making a lifetime of memories I will never forget!