– GIVE YOUR BIRD THE GIFT OF FREEDOM –
BIRDS WERE BORN TO FLY
Founded in 2018 by free flight trainer Ryan Birke, SoCal Parrot Free Flight has grown from a small group of friends who love to fly birds, into the largest parrot free flight group in California.
Our goal is teach people a way to own birds that doesn't involve clipping their wings. A way that lets them do what they were made to do—fly! Not only is it physically and emotionally healthy for the birds, it's a heck of a good time for the humans as well.
We are headquartered on a 32 acre free flight ranch near Temecula, CA, but our members hold meet ups all over Southern California.
DISCOVER SOCAL PARROT FREEFLIGHT
MEET RYAN
I have had a profound love for birds ever since I was a little kid. I always wanted large parrots, so after taking an online free flight course in 2017, I got my first macaws a few months later. While online learning is certainly beneficial, I encountered many challenges once I was out there in the field on my own. Through lots of trial and error, I learned training methods that worked best, and what kind of locations were ideal for beginner, intermediate, and advanced birds.
I believe it is essential for trainers to gain as much experience as possible before training a client. After 3-4 years of flying my own birds and helping friends train, I decided to begin training professionally. Training someone else and their bird is a major responsibility that I take very seriously. For my students and I, free flight is not just some party trick—it is a full on lifestyle. Over the last few years, I have successfully trained over 20 parrots to fly safely outdoors.
MEET SVEN
Sven and Ryan met in 2012 and were married in 2016. Like Ryan, Sven is also a long-time animal lover and has played an integral role in making the SoCal Parrot Free Flight group what it is today. As many of our students will attest, Sven's delightful attitude can always be counted on to liven up a free flight gathering where fun is had by all.
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Beyond caring for the birds and participating in free flight, Sven also happens to be a very talented craftsman and builder. Much of our panoramic flight deck, furniture, and guest cabin (coming soon!) is a result of Sven's handiwork.
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ABOUT US
We got our first macaws in 2017 with the intention to train them for free flight. Little did we know what an amazing path it would lead us down. Over time, we started meeting other free flyers and people interested in learning to fly their birds. We began sharing what worked for us and which locations/parks in SoCal were prime flight spots. Soon enough, we were holding our own weekly flight meet ups. From there, we started a Facebook group and SoCal Parrot Free Flight was officially born.
After years of driving to parks 2-4 days a week, we decided to invest in a large property to fly our birds at. We also wanted a private space for our group members to fly too. Our dream came true in 2022 when we found the perfect place in Aguanga CA with breathtaking views over 32 acres of hillside and the ideal updrafts for flying. We share our ranch with 4 macaws: our greenwing, Pilar, our catalina, Maui, our scarlet Rhys, and our scarlet hybrid, Pyro. Our flock has never been happier and stronger as they take to the skies every day.
FREE FLIGHT TRAINING PACKAGES
ONLINE TRAINING COURSE
Our free flight training packages combine both online and in-person training sessions to ensure you have the best tools to become a successful free flyer. Our online instruction course includes personalized one-on-one virtual sessions with expert trainer, Ryan Birke. He will teach the fundamentals and guide you through training techniques from the comfort of your home. He will assess your progress on an ongoing basis and ensure you are ready for your first outdoor flights, which will be monitored in-person.
IN PERSON COACHING
Once you have completed the indoor course and are deemed ready for outside flying, we will schedule you to join us here in Southern California for your first outdoor flights.
Please note: Transportation and accommodation arrangements are separate.
ACCESS TO OUR FREE FLIGHT RANCH
All students will enjoy access to our 32 acre ranch, which was purchased specifically for free flight. The daily updraft provides the perfect environment for endless flying. The view is epic. Meet-ups are generally held weekly.
FLYING SAFELY
SoCal Parrot Free Flight places your bird's safety as our first priority. Our course takes clients from indoor recall to extreme outdoor locations. We move slowly from beginner locations to more challenging ones. This allows the birds to develop their stamina and skills. When a bird has learned the appropriate skills for each location, only then do we move on to the next one. Beyond taking the time to properly train at each level, we strongly recommend using a Marshalls GPS system. While it is not mandatory to take this course, it is a highly valuable piece of equipment for peace of mind.
60 DAY PACKAGE
$3,500
Our 60-day mentorship package will teach you:
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How to implement the proper training diet & housing
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Indoor recall + a checklist of skills your bird will need to accomplish before flying outside
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Outdoor location levels 1-4
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Outdoor checklist, including gear you will need at all times
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How to find appropriate free flight locations
This package includes:
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1 virtual (or in-person, if local) training session per week
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1 week of in-person outdoor flying when the bird is ready
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Invitations to local meet-ups & out-of-state road trips
90 DAYS UNLIMITED
$5,000
We understand many students will have tons of questions throughout the process and even after they complete our course. That's why we offer an extended training package to provide unlimited support, including in the field, to really get your bird in fine-tuned shape. Our unlimited mentorship package includes everything in our 60-day course, plus:
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Unlimited consultations and training sessions per week
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30 days of in-person outdoor training after graduation
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1 SoCal Parrot Free Flight treat pouch for training
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1 SoCal Parrot Free Flight backpack for all your gear
READY TO TAKE FLIGHT?
Sydney V.
"I’ve had such an amazing experience with Ryan and his training abilities and am so thankful for all of his help. He will put in the time and effort in helping you succeed and has such an great understanding of free flight. This community has been so wonderful to be a part of. If you are thinking of free flying your bird, Ryan is definitely a great choice!"
WHY CHOOSE US?
SoCal Parrot Freeflight is California's largest parrot free flight group. We provide all the training you will need to get your bird up in the air, and an amazing community of people and birds to fly with after you graduate from our course. Check out our reviews from former students or contact us for additional references upon request.
Tim S.
"Meeting Ryan was awesome! He really gave me the mentorship and confidence I needed to get my bird in the air. He was always there and knew how to troubleshoot when anything came up. Everyone in the group is super friendly and helpful as well. I would 100% recommend him!"
OUR COMMUNITY
Membership in our group is completely free. Join our Facebook group to meet the crew and see why we love these people and their birds so much.
Want to see more before you join? Check us out on Instagram & YouTube:
SOCAL PARROT MERCH
Like what you see in our media? Get yours today and be part of the tribe!
VISIT US
Even if you don't have a bird, you can still experience the magic of watching ours relish the delight of freedom when they take to the skies!
Our unique 32 acre free flight ranch is situated in a secluded canyon with a spectacular sunset view. We offer day trips by appointment, or treat yourself to a relaxing getaway under the shade of our panoramic flight deck pergola, built by Sven himself.
Head to our experiences page linked below to learn more about what's included in visit packages. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions about our free flight experience!
Two well-appointed, on-property guest cabins will be available for booking soon!
