What's Happening at Mountsberg? Raptor Encounters!

Conservation Halton is pleased to announce that Raptor Encounters are available to book at Mountsberg Conservation Area! The Mountsberg Raptor Centre would like to invite park guests on a behind-the-scenes program that allows a truly nose-to-beak encounter with some of Ontario’s most stunning birds of prey. This program is designed to give park visitors of all ages an opportunity to explore their interest in the fascinating world of Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Vultures, and Falcons—you will even have the chance to put on a glove and pose for a photo with one of our resident raptors!

What’s a Raptor Encounter? Enjoy a private 45-minute program with our expert Raptor Centre staff, who are pleased to give you a personalized introduction to the amazing world of birds of prey. Depending on the time of your program and your level of interest, you may get a behind the scenes peek at feeding, health-care, training, socialization, or a behind the scenes tour of the facility. Raptor Encounter guests will be given the opportunity to hold one of our native, non-releasable raptors and are invited to take their own photos of this fascinating experience! Fee Structure NEW FEES - Effective July 1st, 2011 Raptor Encounter – $40.00 (+HST) for 2 people. Additional guests (to a max. of 5) are $6.00 per person (+HST).  Please note that gate fees are not included in Raptor Encounter prices.

How do I book my Raptor Encounter?
Although Raptor Encounters can be booked walk-in basis if spaces are still available, you are encouraged to reserve space well in advance if there is a particular date you are interested in attending, please click here to register online for your Raptor Encounter. Three weeks notice is required to cancel from a program or reserved activity and be eligible for a refund, and a $10 administrative fee will be applied to all cancellations or booking changes for reserved activities. Contact Customer Service for more details.

How many people can I bring?
Raptor Encounter programs are designed for a maximum of 5 people at this time. We would be happy to organize a private show or program for larger groups—please contact Customer Service for more details!

Will you take pictures for me?
Unfortunately, our staff's attention will be on ensuring your group has an unforgettable, educational, and safe experience-- they will be unable to take photos for you. However, you are encouraged to bring your own camera and take as many photos as you like. Our staff may be able to help out with a group photo in a pinch, but the safety of our guests and our birds is our primary consideration.

Can I handle a raptor?
Whenever possible, the Raptor Encounter experience includes the opportunity to handle a bird of prey. There are only a few resident birds of prey at Mountsberg Conservation Area who are completely tolerant of new individuals when first introduced. While we will always try to accommodate requests to meet your favourite bird or species, the safety of our guests and birds is our number one priority. Certain birds may not be available to hold, but may be able to pose for a photograph with you— if bird availability is a consideration for you when booking a program, please speak with our staff for details.

• Please Note: Very young children and/or children and individuals who are unable to stay calm around animals may not be eligable to handle a bird of prey due to safety considerations. Alternate activities (photos near birds, touch-table specimen exploration, etc) can be arranged.

What should I be aware of?
Birds of prey are predatory carnivores. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre does not feed live prey, but the resident birds do consume meat in the form of rabbits, rats, mice, chicks, chicken, quail, fish, and other animals. While touring the Raptor Centre, you may see birds eating raw food, or witness it being prepared. Please speak with Raptor Centre staff at the beginning of your program if you have any concerns.

Is this appropriate for children?
Yes, our programs are always appropriate for children of all ages! The content of the Raptor Encounter will be personalized to the group’s age and interest level. 

• Please Note: Very young children and/or children and individuals who are unable to stay calm around animals may not be eligable to handle a bird of prey due to safety considerations. Alternate activities (photos near birds, touch-table specimen exploration, etc) can be arranged.

Is this program fully accessible?
Conservation Halton is committed to making our parks and programs accessible for all. Please inform our staff in advance if any member of your party has environmental allergies, special or exceptional needs, accessibility concerns, applicable phobias (birds, insects, sudden movements, loud noises), or sensitivities. We are happy to discuss the program in advance and personalize it for your group. If you or a member of your group requires a Service Animal, we are happy to provide temporary housing for that animal or alterations to the program. For safety reasons, Service Animals are not permitted in Raptor Encounter programs.

• Please Note: This program involves proximity to live animals. Although you are not in any danger from our birds, they are still capable of independent movement, noise, and activity—please ensure all members of your party are able to stay calm around animals before you book your Raptor Encounter.

Are children free?
Infants (age 2 and under) are free. Listed prices apply to children ages 3 and up.

Do I still pay my gate fee?
Yes, you must still pay your gate fee. At this time, park admission is not included in Raptor Encounter pricing.