.  .  .  Lift your hearts on our wings.

Release Information

Birds can only be released into the outdoors, for both yours and their safety. Their habit is to form up into a group and circle the local area, before deciding upon a direction in which to fly. This would not be a pleasant experience for either the birds or the guests if released indoors. They will NOT recognize any open door or window as their exit path home.

​Birds are typically released from baskets or cages, but may be released by hand if you so choose. If you intend to hand release the birds at a wedding, we would request that your group stop by the loft at a mutually agreeable time prior to your event, and gain some familiarity in

handling the birds. While they will usually settle down when held firmly, when first picked up, they can be a bit “squirmy”, testing you to see if they are able to get a head start going home or not. They are by no means fragile, but should be held with their wings folded correctly, and legs restrained – their claws are quite sharp. It is not likely that you would hurt the bird; the major concern is that the bird would prematurely release himself (or herself), and spoil the effect. Evening is not a good time to visit the loft – the birds are very sleepy then, and not at all representative of how they will be when aching to fly in the morning. In general, young children do not do well at hand-releasing the birds. Again, once the birds take flight, we cannot call them back for another try.


Release Timing

​They may be released at any time of your choosing during the event, however, as noted, the birds MUST be released and given plenty of time to fly home before sunset. The birds are all independent, living creatures with their own personalities, while they have a normal behavior pattern, they are quite curious and intelligent, and sometimes get distracted. We therefore do not guarantee a particular behavior after their release. Typically, single birds or pairs are released fairly shortly before or after the balance of the group, in this manner they may all join up and fly home together. If released too far in advance of the main group, single birds may just fly to a perch and wait for their buddies to come, if released too late, the pair and group will be playing “catch-up”, and not give the desired effect of forming up with the group. In general, for weddings, it is best to release the bride and groom’s pair first, followed by the celebratory general release. For memorials, the apostle birds are released first, followed by the spirit bird – the apostles have a tendency to circle and “scoop-up” the spirit bird, creating a lasting memory.

Set Up

We will arrive no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled starting time of your event, in order to be set up before the event begins. To ensure a prompt set-up, we require you to designate a contact person with authority to make arrangements when we arrive as we assume that you yourself will be busy on your special day.

Primary concern will be a clear exit path for the birds, and sufficient distance to provide a good display for your guests. Closer is not always better, and the bird’s exit is best viewed from the side, rather than head-on. We will be happy to offer advice, however the final decision will be made by your designated contact. Subsequent to the release, we will retrieve any equipment and leave as unobtrusively as possible, unless otherwise arranged or requested.

Attendant Dress

All releases will be overseen by an experienced release professional, who will be appropriately attired for the occasion. For memorials, this will mean a black suit or dress: For weddings or other events, lacking any other instructions, the bird handler will appear in a lighter colored suit or jacket and tie (M), dress or slacks and blouse (F). You may request alternate attire should you please, we are happy to accommodate requests ranging from white or black tie to casual clothing.​

Weather

In general, the birds are far hardier than we humans. While these birds have grown up and trained in the Portland Area, we always keep in mind that we are transporting them to an often unknown place, letting them out a couple of hours before dark, 40 odd miles from home, with nothing but the feathers on their wings and an “Off you go, Boys and Girls”. Summer is fun; winter may be not so much. Each day, our birds have the option to fly or to stay in the loft and the majority of the flock will almost always elect to go out. There are, however, some limitations. High winds (25-30 mph plus), heavy rain, thunderstorms, dense fog, hailstorms, heavy snowstorms, with reduced visibility will ground most light aircraft; our birds will be grounded too.​

Delays

When making the appointment, you will be asked to supply an event starting time and a release time. We understand that times may slip a little, and therefore will be prepared to release up to 30 minutes after the scheduled time. Depending upon the time of day, and our prior commitments, additional waiting time MAY be available at a cost of $25.00 for every additional half-hour or portion thereof. We often schedule more than one event per day in the busy season: we will not miss our scheduled appearance at another person’s event due to a delay in the current event. In addition, long delays may not be advisable from the bird’s standpoint – they are currently confined to small cages, and are quite hungry and thirsty.

Cancellations

Cancellations made before confirmation and payment of the remaining balance will forfeit the non-refundable reservation fee. Cancellations made after confirmation and payment of the balance will be refunded 50% of the total fee. Bright Eyes Dove Release will attempt to re-book the cancelled date at a discounted rate. If successful, Bright Eyes Dove Release will refund all monies received excepting the original reservation fee.

Bright Eyes Dove Release reserves the right to cancel any scheduled release, due to inclement weather, hazardous travel conditions, illness of birds, and other conditions deemed beyond our control. In case of cancellation before the day of the event, Bright Eyes Dove Release will promptly refund all monies received, including the reservation fee of $75.00. In case of forecast inclement weather likely to cause a cancellation, Bright Eyes undertakes to contact the customer the evening prior to the event, using the customer-supplied contact information, and discuss likely weather conditions. Should Bright Eyes Dove Release feel that a release is not likely to be possible, they will, at the customer’s request, still attend the event with birds ready to release. In the case that a release is then not possible, Bright Eyes Dove Release will retain the $75.00 reservation fee for expenses, and refund only the

balance paid in excess of the $75.00.

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Re-scheduling

Prior to three weeks before the event, a previously scheduled reservation may be re-scheduled to an alternate available date and/or time at no charge. Less than three weeks to your pre-booked event, releases may be re-scheduled for an additional cancellation/re-booking fee of $100.00. Bright Eyes Dove Release will waive this fee if able to re-book your originally scheduled release event.