World Center for Birds of Prey | Boise

The World Center for Birds of Prey, located on a ridge overlooking Boise, Idaho, is one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to the conservation, breeding, and research of raptors-birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, hawks, condors, and owls. Operated by The Peregrine Fund, this center is both a scientific hub and an immersive visitor destination that combines wildlife encounters with global conservation stories.

Setting and Overview

Perched on West Flying Hawk Lane, about 15 minutes southwest of downtown Boise, the center sits amid the Boise foothills, offering panoramic views of the Treasure Valley and the Owyhee Mountains beyond. The high desert setting, with its open skies and sagebrush slopes, provides a fitting backdrop for watching raptors soar on thermal currents.

As visitors approach, they’re greeted by an arid landscape dotted with native plants, interpretive signs about the local ecosystem, and the distinctive silhouette of the main visitor center-a low, modern structure blending into the terrain. The sense of quiet isolation enhances the experience, as if stepping into the natural domain of these powerful birds.

History and Mission

The center was founded in 1984 as the headquarters of The Peregrine Fund, a nonprofit organization established in 1970 to save the Peregrine Falcon from extinction. Through pioneering captive-breeding and release programs, the group successfully restored the species across North America, leading to its removal from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.

Since then, the World Center for Birds of Prey has expanded its mission to include the study and protection of raptors worldwide, from the California Condor to the Philippine Eagle. It serves as a research facility, breeding site, educational center, and international training ground for scientists working in bird conservation.

The Visitor Experience

The Interpretive Center

Inside, the Velma Morrison Interpretive Center blends museum-style exhibits with live bird encounters. Large glass enclosures house species such as the Harris’s Hawk, Bald Eagle, Aplomado Falcon, Spectacled Owl, and even the California Condor, one of the rarest birds on Earth. Each bird is non-releasable due to injury or imprinting, and their presence allows visitors to observe the species’ size, plumage, and behavior up close.

Interactive exhibits trace raptor evolution, hunting adaptations, migration patterns, and global conservation challenges. One display lets visitors test their wingspan against various raptors, while another shows the aerodynamic precision of falcons diving at speeds exceeding 200 mph.

Live Raptor Demonstrations

One of the highlights of a visit is the live flight demonstrations, held seasonally in the open-air amphitheater. Trainers release hawks or falcons that soar, swoop, and return to the handler’s glove, showing their remarkable agility. These sessions emphasize natural behavior, and the sound of wings slicing through air leaves a lasting impression.

Archives of Falconry

Adjacent to the main exhibit hall is the Archives of Falconry, a world-renowned collection preserving the art and history of falconry-one of humanity’s oldest hunting traditions. Its exhibits include ancient falconry equipment, manuscripts, and artifacts from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The Sheikh Zayed Arab Falconry Heritage Wing, named for the late ruler of the United Arab Emirates, explores the cultural significance of falconry in Arab society, complete with ornate hoods, perches, and traditional hunting attire.

Breeding and Research Facilities

Although much of the breeding and research area is closed to the public to protect the birds, visitors can view portions of the condor propagation facility through observation windows. The staff explain the complex breeding process, egg monitoring, and the eventual release of young condors into protected wild habitats in Arizona, California, and Baja.

Educational Programs and Conservation Efforts

The center operates an extensive network of education and outreach programs, including raptor ecology workshops for school groups, training for international scientists, and community science projects. Its global reach extends to more than 65 countries, with fieldwork ranging from tracking eagles in Africa to conserving harpy eagles in Panama.

Locally, it partners with schools across Idaho to foster awareness of birds of prey that inhabit the Snake River Plain and Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area nearby-a vast region with one of the highest concentrations of nesting raptors in North America.

Trails and Outdoor Exploration

Surrounding the center is a system of short interpretive trails winding through the foothills. The Avimor Trail Loop and the Conservation Trail are popular with visitors seeking to spot wild raptors in flight-particularly Red-tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, and Northern Harriers. Benches positioned along scenic overlooks offer sweeping views of the valley, especially at sunset when the sky glows orange and gold.

The outdoor landscape also features native plant gardens and nesting boxes that attract local birdlife. Signs explain how sagebrush habitats support the ecosystem and why conservation of open land remains vital for raptor survival.

Visitor Impressions

The World Center for Birds of Prey has a contemplative, almost reverent feel. Standing within sight of a condor or watching a falcon dive across the Idaho sky evokes both wonder and humility. The staff’s deep knowledge and enthusiasm lend a personal touch-many share stories of individual birds, describing their quirks and histories with affection.

Families often linger by the flight field or the museum shop, where books, handcrafted carvings, and conservation-themed gifts extend the educational experience. The entire visit tends to blend science, emotion, and awe-reminding guests how fragile and extraordinary these species are.

Significance

The World Center for Birds of Prey is far more than a wildlife attraction. It is the living headquarters of a global conservation movement that has successfully brought species back from the brink of extinction. Through its blend of research, education, and direct action, it continues to shape the future of raptor conservation worldwide.

It stands as a symbol of Boise’s environmental leadership-a quiet yet powerful place where the connection between people and the natural world takes flight, quite literally, above the high desert hills.