Meet the Laurel Fork Falconer

 Collin Waybright, a licensed Master Class Falconer based in West Virginia, began his journey in falconry at the age of 14. His passion ignited when he trapped his first falconry bird, a Red-Tailed Hawk he named Ace. Collin has trained an American Kestrel for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, PA. At just 18, he became one of the youngest individuals in the U.S. to work with a Bald Eagle, who now is an educational ambassador. Home-schooled, Collin's flexible education path allowed him to pursue his passion for falconry and education. His mission is to impact West Virginia and neighboring states through educational presentations, highlighting the importance of birds of prey in our environment. Following graduation, Collin spent 10 months at the Ararat Ridge Zoo in Williamstown, KY, contributing to their animal education team. With over 9 years of falconry experience, including working and volunteering for a raptor rehab center, Collin has worked with various bird species, including those that raptors would consider prey. In the late summer of 2022, Collin presented a falconry program for the Embassy of the Czech Republic and the European Union in Washington DC. Collin's natural talent in working with birds often leaves people amazed, though he humbly acknowledges that bird training entails more than meets the eye.

 What an honor it was to receive this note of encouragement from  the Secretary of the State of West Virginia, Mac Warner.  Thank you sir  for your kind words.