Wings Over Terranea

The views are uninterrupted, and outdoor terraces remain remarkably free of disruptive birds. Guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the Pacific, relax on private balconies and linger over sunset cocktails without competing with seagulls for space. The secret isn’t technology or deterrents. It’s the ancient practice of falconry.

For more than 15 years, Resident Falconer Joe Roy III has quietly helped preserve Terranea’s guest experience through one of the oldest partnerships: the bond between falconer and bird of prey.

Roy’s work extends far beyond bird management. Equal parts conservationist, educator and storyteller, he has become one of the resort’s most beloved ambassadors.

That passion is immediately evident during Terranea’s complimentary Falconry Experience, where guests are introduced to hawks, falcons and owls while learning about their unique behaviors, hunting instincts, and ecological importance. “It affords me the opportunity to interact with guests in ways that few people can do here,” he says.

For many visitors, the experience becomes one of the most memorable moments of their stay. Watching a hawk launch from Roy’s gloved hand and soar effortlessly above the Pacific Ocean offers a rare connection to the natural world. One that feels both intimate and awe-inspiring.

Beyond the spectacle, Roy is driven by education for the resort’s guests. “I enjoy being able to help people better understand the roles that these birds of prey play in our ecology,” he says. That mission is especially important as birds of prey continue to prove their value in modern wildlife management.

“Birds of prey are becoming viable options for pushing these birds out of these spaces and hopefully making them a little more well-behaved if they’re not entirely leaving,” Roy explains. The result is an elegant solution that benefits both guests and the environment.

“The ultimate success would be no pigeons, no seagulls, no grackles, no crows or ravens in the complex,” says Roy. Achieving that goal requires dedication not only from Roy but also from the birds themselves. Young falcons undergo daily conditioning and flight exercises designed to build strength, stamina and confidence.

That training creates the trust and partnership necessary for successful falconry. Unlike common misconceptions, birds of prey are not controlled. Instead, they choose to work alongside their handlers through a relationship built on consistency, respect and mutual understanding. For Roy, witnessing those birds thrive in their natural role is among the most rewarding aspects of his work. “They belong here, and having them around is a positive thing.”

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That belief reflects Terranea’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality. By embracing a natural approach to wildlife management, the resort protects its outdoor spaces while creating meaningful opportunities for guests to learn about local ecosystems and conservation.

As hawks soar above the coastal cliffs and guests gather to watch in wonder, the program offers something increasingly rare in modern travel, an authentic connection to nature. For Roy, it is simply another day spent doing what he loves most. For guests, it is a reminder that some of the most extraordinary luxury experiences aren’t found in a spa or a fine-dining restaurant. Sometimes, they arrive on the wings of a falcon.

Terranea Resort