Green Mountain Falconry School
Green Mountain Falconry School
Green Mountain Falconry School
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Green Mountain Falconry School allows visitors an insight into raptor conservation, the falconers' world, and the birds that occupy it. Master falconer Rob Waite has been practicing falcony for 30 years. GMFS offers introductory handling lessons and Hawk walk programs. Experience the exhilaration of handling and flying a trained Harris Hawk in the beautiful setting of Vermont's Green Mountains!
Manchester, Vermont
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Green Mountain Falconry School
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
117 reviews
Excellent
114
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Humfry14
Tiverton, RI4 contributions
Nov 2022
Rob was a great guide and teacher. We learned a lot about the birds and falconry in general. The setting is absolutely beautiful and I recommend the lesson and the hawk walk as you get to see the birds hunt and interact much better on the walk. It is a rare and beautiful experience to handle these beautiful animals and Rob really makes the experience with his calm demeanor and wonderful way with the birds. This was an unexpected highlight of the trip and we did a lot of great stuff in Manchester.
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great point about there being so much to do in and around Manchester. Our guests often comment that they will have to return to check out some of the other outdoor activities.
Thank you so much for your kind review. I'm so pleased the falconry was a highlight of your trip.
Best.
Rob
Written December 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacquelyn C
Yorktown Heights, NY2 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
The Green Mountain Falconry School is an amazing experience for bird-lovers and nature-enthusiasts. Rob makes everyone feel like they are a part of the experience from the participants to the observers. He is a knowledgeable and entertaining host who truly cares about the falcons he watches over. It was wonderful to be able to look a falcon in the eye and be able to guide it to and from it’s perches. A memorable occasion for all involved.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your response and kind comments. As a fellow bird-lover, I still get a huge thrill out of being around the hawks and still remember my first interaction with a trained raptor over 40 years ago! I'm so pleased you visited and had the chance to experience the same encounter.
Thanks again for coming.
Rob
Written September 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shawn Starkweather
4 contributions
Sep 2021
Wonderful experience. To look a hawk or falcon in the eye as it rests on your arm is a pretty amazing thing. Rob was awesome to work with. He was extremely flexible in scheduling and you can tell he has a real love for his work. I was comfortable with him right away and that helped put me at ease with the birds.
I highly recommend making use of his mastery of the art! Thank you Rob!
I highly recommend making use of his mastery of the art! Thank you Rob!
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Shawn! It was great to meet you and Denise and I was so happy that we could find a dry day to get you out there with the hawks. I was thrilled to be a small part of your amazing adventure and hope that the birds will inspire you in your future books!
Best wishes and many thanks for taking the time to review us.
Rob
Written October 2, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Terry C
Portland, ME29 contributions
Sep 2022
Learning about the Hawks, their history as hunters, and how they are trained and maintained was wonderful. However, actually learning how to bring them in on your arm, look at them eye to eye, and launch them was amazing and so much fun. The walk through the beautiful Vermont woods with the brook and have the hawks with you was amazing. To be that close to a Hawk and their beauty is inspiring. Rob Waite does an excellent job and clearly shares his knowledge and makes you feel very comfortable with the birds while respecting that they still can be dangerous and are not pets. We are still talking about it daily!!! Exceptional Experience!
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's so nice to hear that our guests are learning about the sport and birds. And without a doubt, the chance to actually handle and fly one of these amazing birds is what people respond to and remember the most.
Thank you so much for your kind review and comments. I hope you keep talking about it for years to come!
Best wishes.
Rob
Written September 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Island139
Boston, MA69 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Walking through the gorgeous vermont forest with the hawks flying around us was an amazing experience. We learned alot and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We appreciated that all their visits are private, so we were able to do something a bit at our own pace. Truly a unique experience. We would do it again.
Written August 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review your visit and for your feedback and appreciation of our keeping sessions private. We hope it adds to the tranquil experience in the woods, as well as allowing us to adapt each program to an individual's interests and preferences.
Please do come again!
Rob
Written September 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joe C
2 contributions
Jun 2023
This is a day that you will never forget ! Having a wild raptor on your gloved arm is simply amazing. The bird is not a pet, it is still a predator. But as Rob explains, there is a working relationship between the falconer and the raptor. Harris Hawks are beautiful and a joy to work with. Rob is very patient and is an excellent teacher. He loves his work and it shows in the way the birds work with him. This was our second time so now my wife flew the hawk while I got to photograph the adventure.
I enjoyed it even more than our first visit. Rob is a pleasure to work with and to experience such wildness in such an intimate manner is a very powerful thing.
I enjoyed it even more than our first visit. Rob is a pleasure to work with and to experience such wildness in such an intimate manner is a very powerful thing.
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a kind review - it is an absolute pleasure to take out guests who clearly enjoy and appreciate the hawks so much. And it is always fun to do whatever I can to assist with getting that perfect photo of the hawks in action. Although it is not easy, there's plenty of opportunity.....or maybe another trip to see us again in the future!
Hope you can make it back soon for your third visit!!
All best wishes and thanks again for taking the time to review us.
Rob
Written July 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MimiMissy
Haleyville, AL65 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Fabulous time. Very informative and very fun. Rob was a super guide. We even got to take our hawks on a walk through the woods and got to watch them in a natural habitat. Our class lasted about 2 1/2 hours and it flew by.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to know that your visit "flew" by!! And even better to hear that you found it, "Very informative and very fun". The Hawk Walk is probably the part that is most memorable to our guests and is particularly special in the Fall foliage.
Thank you for coming and for your kind review.
Rob
Written October 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erin J
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We hoped for a great experience, we left with so much more. The feel of the wind as the hawk swoops overhead, the view of the glorious birds eagerly hunting, and the company of a master. Rob is funny, intelligent, engaging and just all around amazing. Well with every penny. If you are at all interested in birds of prey, go. You won't be disappointed.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such a great review!
After missing a season due to the pandemic, it is so good to be back and even better to hear that you enjoyed your visit. I had a blast meeting you both and sharing the hawks with you - thank you for letting everyone know what you thought about your time with the hawks.
Best wishes.
Rob
Written September 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lindsay Hiebert
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We really enjoyed our visit to GreenMountain Falconry with Rob Waite
We went to visit Rob Waite who is the owner of Green Mountain Falconry located in Manchester Vermont. Rob started the first established falconry school in the United States, the British School of Falconry at the Equinox.
Rob was an outstanding teacher, trainer, and expert on the history, habits, and behaviors and qualities that are important to learn about for what falcons need and want and popular misconceptions and myths for what the general public thinks about falcons and falconry - largely driven by what we see at the movies or in story-telling. Rob shared his experiences about how falcons view the world and respond to activity around them, and very often are seeing and responding to wildlife that people do not see immediately, rabbits, bears, foxes, crickets, frogs and other hawks. There were dozens of fascinating insights that Rob shared about falcons, about our falcon/hawk called “Bailey”, an eight (8) year old hawk. The best part of the experience was interacting with and handling the falcon together with Rob’s expert instructions in the most fun and engaging way while Rob continuously told stories about what was happening during the training session.
If you like learning about nature and experiencing falconry in the most engaging way, you will really enjoy the GreenMountain visit with Rob Waite! Get ready to be astonished and amazed with memories that will last a lifetime.
We went to visit Rob Waite who is the owner of Green Mountain Falconry located in Manchester Vermont. Rob started the first established falconry school in the United States, the British School of Falconry at the Equinox.
Rob was an outstanding teacher, trainer, and expert on the history, habits, and behaviors and qualities that are important to learn about for what falcons need and want and popular misconceptions and myths for what the general public thinks about falcons and falconry - largely driven by what we see at the movies or in story-telling. Rob shared his experiences about how falcons view the world and respond to activity around them, and very often are seeing and responding to wildlife that people do not see immediately, rabbits, bears, foxes, crickets, frogs and other hawks. There were dozens of fascinating insights that Rob shared about falcons, about our falcon/hawk called “Bailey”, an eight (8) year old hawk. The best part of the experience was interacting with and handling the falcon together with Rob’s expert instructions in the most fun and engaging way while Rob continuously told stories about what was happening during the training session.
If you like learning about nature and experiencing falconry in the most engaging way, you will really enjoy the GreenMountain visit with Rob Waite! Get ready to be astonished and amazed with memories that will last a lifetime.
Written July 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such a great, heartfelt review, Lindsay! It was a real pleasure to meet you both and on such a beautiful day, too.
Sharing the hawks with guests who truly appreciate and respect these amazing birds has to be one of the most rewarding (and fun) parts of my work. I'm thrilled that you took the time to visit and left with "..memories that will last a lifetime.".
Best wishes.
Rob
Written July 12, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jason B
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We had a wonderful time. My wife and I did the lesson and walk. Rob made us comfortable with the birds and taught us some interesting facts about Harris Hawks. He’s very personable, friendly, and a great storyteller. This was the highlight of our two week road trip. Thank you Rob!
- Jason & Heather
- Jason & Heather
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write your thoughtful review. Harris hawks are amazing raptors and somehow provide me with many memorable experiences that can be great fun to pass on.
Great to hear they were a highlight of your roadtrip - thank you.
Hope to see you both again.
Rob
Written December 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
Hi William - prices vary throughout the season and depending how many are in your party, so please e-mail us for full details. All bookings are guaranteed private! We always suggest reserving a space well in advance. Thank you and hope to meet you soon.
Written June 9, 2017
My boyfriend and I are booked for a lesson and walk later this month (both paying handlers). Will we each be handling our "own" falcon or will there be one falcon that we both handle together? I couldn't find anything in the reviews that clarified that... we're assuming that there is one falcon per paying handler (thus we each will be handling one) but wanted to double-check so we arrive with the correct expectation :) We are SO excited about this and can't wait to get there!!
Written June 3, 2017
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
Hi Kate,
For the lesson, you will both handle, but we use one hawk and have you take it turns. This allows ample opportunity to get some great photos without juggling a hawk! When we do the Hawk Walk, we take two hawks.
Hope this helps, but please send me an e-mail and I can get a more information to you about our programs, what to bring and how to find us.
Thanks and see you both soon!
Rob
Written June 4, 2017
Are you open tomorrow sat nov 12 for two guests, we are staying at the equinox for the weekend
Written November 12, 2016
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
I'm sorry, we have now closed for the season. We reopen May 1st., so I hope you will be able to make a return visit and include a lesson at Green Mountain Falconry School.
Thanks for your interest and sorry not to meet you on this occasion.
Rob
Written November 12, 2016
My husband and i will be in the are in a couple of weeks and I am researching things to do in the Manchester area.Where do i find the cost for taking a class with you? I am hoping our 32 yr old son will come up from MA to join us for a day - I believe he would love to do this as well as my husband.
Written August 6, 2016
Go to Green Mountain Falconry School website. The cost of the various programs that you can attend are listed there. And what each program consistent of.
Note that they close Oct 31.
When my wife and I decided to go, we simply emailed the owner Rob Waite.
Hope that helps.
Written August 7, 2016
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
Hi Larry - All of our bookings are private, hands-on experiences and so we don't accept observers. But each participant can bring along a free spectator to learn and take photographs. Hope this helps and that you decide to take a lesson!
Written July 11, 2016
They don't open until May 1st :)
Written February 8, 2016
Is the cost the same for those handling the hawks and those just observing?
Written September 5, 2015
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
Thanks for your question. Each program is a private booking that requires at least one participant, who will actually learn to handle and fly a hawk. For each participant in the party, you can have one free spectator and then there would be a fee for additional observers. Our rates vary seasonally, so please contact us directly for more information.
Written September 5, 2015
I went to the British School of Falconry many years ago. I know that closed - is this the same place? (Run by the same people?) If so, I may have to rethink some plans for the summer.
Written March 30, 2015
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
Hi there,
We have moved a few miles down the road to a great new site. We have many of the same hawks and I’ve been running the business since it opened at the original site.
Please e-mail us and we can send you some additional information. (link to email under the map in the "About Us" section)
Hope you’ll have the chance to make a return visit!
Rob
Written April 1, 2015
Do we need to reserve the time? I think this would be a wonderful experience.
Thanks,
Mary
Written March 28, 2015
Hi Mary,
Yes, you do need to make a reservation. The summer season opens up May 1st. Email Rob at greenmountainfalconry@comcast . net (without the spaces) with some dates, I'm sure he could set you up.
Hope you enjoy it- it's truly a wonderful, unique experience!
Written March 30, 2015
Glad to see the Falconry program is still around. I assume it is a seasonal activity.
When is the season and what is the cost?
Thanks
Sarah
Written February 5, 2015
Rob W
Manchester, Vermont
Hi Sarah,
We now operate from May 1 - Oct 31. Pricing is seasonal, but starts at $130 per person. Vermont residents get a 20% discount!
Please check us out on Facebook or contact The Equinox Resort for more information.
Thanks for your interest.
Rob
Written February 6, 2015
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