Description

Course Overview

The Raptor Awards Bird Control Course has been developed to provide learners with an understanding of the principles, practices and responsibilities involved in using birds of prey as part of professional bird control operations.

Bird control is a specialist discipline that requires much more than the ability to fly a bird of prey. Effective and ethical bird control relies on understanding target species behaviour, assessing risks, planning appropriate operations and applying suitable methods while maintaining the highest standards of bird welfare.

This course explores how trained birds of prey can be used as a non-lethal deterrent method to help manage human-wildlife conflict across a range of environments.

Prerequisites for Entry

The Raptor Awards Bird Control Course is a specialist progression course designed for individuals who already have a strong foundation in bird of prey care, handling, training and flying.

Before undertaking this course, learners must have completed their Raptor Awards full certification including both theory (C1-9) and practical. 

Learners should also have practical experience in:

• Safe handling of birds of prey
• Routine husbandry and welfare requirements
• Training and conditioning principles
• Flying and managing birds of prey in a controlled environment

Bird control requires the application of established raptor skills within a professional setting. Therefore, learners must already demonstrate competence in the fundamentals of keeping, training and flying birds of prey before progressing into this specialist area.

This course does not teach the basics of bird of prey management, handling or flying. It builds upon existing knowledge and focuses on applying those skills within the field of professional bird control.