Visitors to Orange County can get up close with birds of prey through a hands-on falconry experience.

Tom Cullen, owner of Falconry Excursions in Goshen, offers private tours where guests can interact with owls, hawks, falcons and even eagles.

Participants wear a glove and walk a wooded path as the birds fly overhead and land on their fists.

"You're going to learn more about these birds in just a few hours," Cullen said, adding that the experience allows people to feel the birds' strength and see them from angles not possible at zoos.

Master falconer Jaime Soto leads the tours and teaches guests about the ancient sport of falconry, which dates back thousands of years.

Cullen said the goal is to foster a connection between people and birds, especially for children, who may develop a lifelong passion for conservation.