Bird of Prey Show Checklist

A bird of prey show needs more than a handler and a place to fly. You need to secure the venue, permits, toilets and parking early, then prepare a clearly separated flying zone and audience area. Safety planning, weather decisions and suitable bird equipment must be settled before invitations go out. This checklist covers the practical sequence, from registrations and dietary requirements to sound checks, signs, catering and opening the site.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Apply for a permit
Capture bird of prey handler
Reserve venue
Reserve toilets
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Coordinate parking spaces
Inspect the flying zone
2 people
Mark off the audience area
2 people
Develop safety plan
2 people
Determine the weather scenario
Calculate catering quantities
Print the program
Design route signs
Test music and microphone
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Collect materials
2 people
Prepare sign-in sheet
Check the weather forecast

Event

Open venue
2 people
Build party tents
4 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Mark off the flight zone
4 people
Place safety signs
2 people
Set up bird of prey enclosures
3 people
Check the airport
2 people
Test sound
2 people
Check the lighting and power
2 people
Set up the catering buffet
3 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people
Receive the bird handler
2 people
Register visitors
3 people
Distribute program
2 people
Guide visitors to their seats
2 people
Handle the opening announcement
Guide the first birds of prey show
3 people
Moderate the Q&A
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Check the audience area
2 people
Announce the evening show
Support the evening show
3 people
Ensure visitors leave safely
3 people
Safely release the birds of prey
3 people
Finalize food and drinks
2 people

Aftercare

Clear the flight area
3 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Collect waste
3 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Dismantle sound and lighting
2 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Return materials
2 people
Clean coolers
2 people
Check leftover catering
Process lost and found items
Process invoices and deposits

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 100
Bar stoolsqty 4
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Wireless microphoneqty 2
Speakersqty 2
Mixer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4
Rechargeable flashlightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Lighting

LED light garlandsqty 6
LED construction lightsqty 4
Cable matsqty 6

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 8
Conesqty 20
Warning signsqty 8
First aid kit
Fire extinguishersqty 2
Work glovesqty 8

Animal supplies

Bird of prey perchesqty 6
Transport cagesqty 6
Water tubsqty 6
Feed bowlsqty 6
Leather beltsqty 6
Falconry glovesqty 6
Protective coversqty 6
Rest screensqty 4
Portable seat sticksqty 4

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Platesqty 120
Knivesqty 120
Forksqty 120
Spoonsqty 120
Serving traysqty 8
Coffee cupsqty 60
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2

Decorations

Directional signsqty 12
Program standsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Name badgesqty 20

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Sponge clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Book the bird of prey handler and venue before sending invitations, then allow at least 2–3 weeks to process registrations and collect dietary requirements.
Inspect the flying zone before the event and mark the audience area with barriers, tape or cones; leave a clear buffer between spectators, equipment and the flight path.
Set a weather decision deadline 24 hours before the show. Decide whether tents, lighting or a changed program are enough, or whether the show must be postponed.
Test the wireless microphone, speakers, mixer and extension setup at least 2 hours before guests arrive. Cover cables with cable mats and keep spare batteries available.
Prepare the registration desk, printed program, route signs, first-aid kit and fire extinguishers before opening the venue. Chill drinks and set out snacks only after tables and waste bins are in place.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book a bird of prey show handler?: Book the handler and venue at least 6–8 weeks before the planned show, especially if you need a specific date. Apply for any permit as soon as the venue and flying zone are known, because approval times vary.
How much space does a bird of prey show need?: The handler should confirm the required flight area for the birds you are presenting. Inspect the zone in advance and keep the audience behind a clearly marked boundary, with no loose chairs, tables or cables in the flight path.
What should I do if the weather is bad on the day of the show?: Set a go/no-go deadline 24 hours before the event and define the alternative in writing. Tents may help with light rain for guests, but they do not automatically make a flying zone safe; follow the handler’s decision.
When should I set up the bird of prey show site?: Open the venue at least 3 hours before guests arrive. Put up tents, tables, signs and safety barriers first, then test sound and lighting, prepare the registration desk and complete the final flying-zone inspection.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.