Meet the Falconer
Steve Cross
A lifelong passion for birds of prey — from childhood fascination to professional falconer with over 30 years of experience.
"Every bird has its own personality. Getting to know them — and then watching a visitor's face light up when they fly to the glove for the first time — never gets old."
— Steve Cross, Falconer
Steve Cross has been captivated by birds of prey since childhood, spending countless hours watching kestrels hunt over the Shropshire fields near his home. What began as a boyhood obsession grew into a lifelong vocation — and eventually, a career dedicated to sharing that passion with others.
Steve began his formal falconry training in his early twenties, learning the ancient art under the guidance of experienced falconers in the Welsh Marches. Over the decades he has worked with dozens of species — from the nimble kestrel to the formidable golden eagle — developing a deep understanding of each bird's individual character and needs.
In 2005, Steve founded Bird of Prey Displays with a simple mission: to bring people face-to-face with these extraordinary animals in a way that is both thrilling and educational. Since then he has performed at hundreds of country shows, agricultural fairs, school visits, and private events across Shropshire, the West Midlands, and beyond.
Steve is a member of the British Falconers' Club and holds all relevant licences for the keeping and display of birds of prey. Animal welfare is at the heart of everything he does — his birds are trained using positive reinforcement, live in spacious, enriched environments, and are never pushed beyond their comfort.
Credentials & Qualifications
Experience You Can Trust
30+ Years Experience
Working with birds of prey since the early 1990s
British Falconers' Club
Full member of the UK's premier falconry organisation
Fully Licensed
All relevant DEFRA licences held for keeping and display
DBS Checked
Enhanced DBS certificate for school and care home visits
Public Liability
Fully insured for public displays and events
100s of Events
Performed at country shows, schools, and private events across the region
The Collection
Meet the Birds
Steve's collection includes a carefully selected group of birds, each chosen for their suitability for educational display work and their individual temperament. Every bird is a named individual with its own story.
Harris's Hawk
Parabuteo unicinctus
The workhorses of the falconry world — sociable, intelligent, and endlessly willing. Steve's Harris's hawks are the stars of his hawk walk experiences, flying freely through woodland and returning reliably to the glove.
Barn Owl
Tyto alba
Britain's most beloved owl, and a firm favourite at school visits and care home displays. Silent in flight and hauntingly beautiful, the barn owl never fails to draw a gasp from the audience.
Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
The classic 'twit-twoo' owl of British woodland. Stocky, characterful, and surprisingly bold — tawny owls are a highlight of Steve's static display work.
European Eagle Owl
Bubo bubo
Europe's largest owl, with a wingspan that has to be seen to be believed. A showstopper at country fairs and agricultural shows, the eagle owl commands attention the moment it appears.
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
The fastest animal on Earth in a stoop. Steve's peregrine is a highlight of flying displays, demonstrating the breathtaking speed and agility that has made this species the most celebrated bird of prey in history.
Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
The bird that started it all for Steve — the hovering kestrel of the Shropshire hedgerows. A familiar face to many visitors, and a wonderful ambassador for British wildlife.
Book Steve for Your Event
Whether you're planning a country show, a school visit, or a private experience, Steve would love to hear from you.