A raptor lover is easy to buy for on the surface. Anything with a hawk on it usually earns a smile. Buy well, though, and the present actually gets used: the binoculars that live in a coat pocket, the print that looks like a kestrel hovering rather than a bird-shaped blob, the day out that ends with a bird on the fist. Here are fifteen ideas, grouped by rough price band, with notes on what makes each one worth the money.
Budget-Friendly Gifts: Roughly Under £20
Small gifts work best when they are specific. A generic eagle mug says "bird". A tea towel printed with a hobby in flight says you know which bird they care about.
- 1. A pocket field guide. Collins is the usual starting point, but a slimmer regional guide or a laminated fold-out is easier to carry. Look for flight silhouettes — that is how most raptors are actually identified in the field.
- 2. A hand-bound notebook or sketchbook. Field notes and quick sketches are half the pleasure of watching birds. A small British-made book with a stiff cover survives a coat pocket and a bit of rain.
- 3. An enamel pin or brooch. Small makers turn out kestrels, barn owls and feathers in enamel, brass and pewter. Check the fastening is secure if it is going on a favourite jacket.
- 4. A screen-printed mug, tea towel or apron. British printers often work in short runs, so the design will not turn up on every high street. Look for water-based inks and a maker who names the studio.
- 5. A calendar or postcard set. Buy from a named wildlife photographer rather than a stock design. Captions giving species and location make it far more interesting to live with.
Mid-Range Presents With Real Staying Power
This is the sweet spot: enough money for something properly made, not so much that you have to be certain about it.
- 6. Compact binoculars. For general birdwatching, 8x32 or 8x42 is the sensible choice — higher magnification is harder to hold steady and gives a dimmer image in dull light. If possible, buy from a shop where they can try a few pairs. Fit matters more than specification.
- 7. A hand-pulled print. Linocut, etching and screen print all suit birds of prey: bold shapes, few colours. Look for signed, numbered editions and ask whether the paper is archival.
- 8. Feather jewellery. A silver or recycled-metal feather pendant or pair of studs from a UK jeweller makes a lasting gift. Ask about hallmarks and chain length, and whether the piece can be engraved.
- 9. A craft kit. Needle-felting, papercraft and linocut kits all come in raptor designs. Good kits include decent tools and clear instructions; cheap ones skimp on the wool or the blade. Check the age guidance before buying for a child.
- 10. A book they will reread. T. H. White's The Goshawk is a classic of falconry writing — anxious, funny and honest about failure. Pair it with Helen Macdonald's H is for Hawk for a modern counterpoint, or J. A. Baker's The Peregrine for prose that reads like poetry. Second-hand copies are fine; the writing is what matters.
Premium Presents: When You Want to Make It Memorable
These are the gifts that require a bit of thought — and often a bit of saving. They are worth it when you know the person is serious about raptors and will use them for years.
- 11. A quality spotting scope and tripod. For long-distance viewing, especially at estuaries and raptor watchpoints, a good scope beats binoculars. Look for an 80mm objective lens, a zoom eyepiece and a sturdy tripod. Second-hand from a reputable dealer can save money without sacrificing optics.
- 12. A falconry experience day. A half-day or full-day course where they can fly a hawk or owl to the fist is unforgettable. Choose a centre that is a member of the British Falconers' Club or similar, and check that the birds are flown regularly and kept in good conditions. A voucher gives them flexibility to book.
- 13. Original wildlife art. A small original drawing, watercolour or linocut by a wildlife artist is a lifelong pleasure. Visit local galleries or online studios like the Society of Wildlife Artists. If the budget doesn't stretch to original, a signed limited-edition print is the next best thing.
- 14. A nest box with a camera. For someone with a garden or land, a high-quality owl or kestrel box with a wireless camera lets them watch the whole breeding season. Choose a box designed for the species they are likely to attract, and make sure the camera is easy to set up and view on a phone.
- 15. A conservation adoption or sponsorship. Adopting a raptor through a charity like the Hawk Conservancy Trust, the RSPB or a local raptor study group supports real conservation work. Many packages include a certificate, a photo and updates on the bird's progress. It is a gift that does good twice over.
How to Choose the Right Raptor Gift
Before you buy, ask a few questions. Do they watch birds in the field or from an armchair? If they are often outdoors, practical gear like binoculars, notebooks or a scope will be used constantly. If they prefer reading and art, a beautiful book or print is more personal. Also consider their level: a beginner might appreciate a simple field guide, while an experienced birder may already own the basics and would value something more specialised, like a rare monograph or a high-end optic.
Another tip: check for durability. Raptor lovers often spend hours in wind and rain, so gifts that survive the elements are appreciated. And if you are buying for a child, look for sturdy, age-appropriate items — a cheap plastic toy hawk will break quickly, but a well-made plush or a starter field guide can spark a lifelong interest.
Gift Experiences: Days Out That Create Memories
Sometimes the best present is not a thing but a day out. Falconry centres, wildlife photography workshops and guided raptor watches all offer something to look forward to. A bird of prey photography workshop, for example, can teach them how to capture a kestrel hovering or a peregrine stooping. Many centres also run "meet the owls" sessions that are perfect for families.
If you are unsure, a gift voucher for a local wildlife trust or an experience company gives them the freedom to choose. And if you want to join them, book two places — sharing a day out watching birds is a gift in itself.
With a little thought, any of these fifteen gifts will show you understand what makes raptors special. Whether it is a £10 enamel pin or a once-in-a-lifetime falconry day, the best presents are the ones that feed the obsession.
Photo: Lydia Griva / Pexels
