Some of us are more in tune with nature than others. Cryss Stacey enjoys a direct connection to it.

A graduate of Warwick High School, Stacey is a falconer and the owner of Edged Feather Experiences. Her passion and livelihood revolve around owning and caring for seven different species of birds of prey, but what she really is, is an advocate for nature.

"Growing up, I was always an outdoorsy kind of kid; you couldn't get me out of the woods," said Stacey. "But I wasn't always allowed to have my own pets. I've always been drawn to them; I've always wanted to work with them. I didn't even know birds of prey was a thing. When I first saw it, I was consumed by it."

Edged Feather Experiences is one of the many unique attractions currently appearing at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Estate & Winery, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim. Stacey stages three 30-minute shows each weekend day on the Ren Faire's joust field, each featuring a different bird of prey or combination of birds.

The entertaining and educational shows are designed to display each species' skills and talents as hunters, and the last five minutes of each show are used for audience questions and photos. When Stacey's birds aren't performing, they can be viewed on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery.

"I try to get the audience as close to the birds as possible, within reason," said Stacey. "My goal is to give (members of the audience) a better appreciation of the world around us. All of the birds are very much individuals. One of my birds gets so excited before shows. I've got another bird that just loves to be around people; he thrives on attention. They are absolutely performers. They know their jobs really well."

Stacey's flock of hunters consists of Titus, a red-tailed hawk; Kasai, an African augur buzzard; Skyler, an African lanner falcon; Goose, an African tide crow; Wicket, a barred owl; Jack, a Harris's hawk; and Sir Dante, a Eurasian eagle-owl.

"It is a very one-sided relationship," said Stacey. "If I were to drop dead, they'd eat all the food and fly off. There would be no mourning. But I care deeply for the birds. I can't tell you how much I've dedicated to them. Their care requires a well-trained hand."

"It's my job to give them as natural a life as I can - that they get to be birds," added Stacey. "It's also my job to make sure they're well exercised and flown regularly. We rehearse with them, and when they're done, they get their food as a reward."

After being involved in wildlife education for 12 years, Stacey founded Edged Feather Experiences in the spring of this year. Stacey and her birds mainly perform at Renaissance fairs, but they've also been featured at Girl Scout gatherings, weddings and birthday parties.

"I want to share my passion with other people," said Stacey. "When you have a spark inside, you can set it ablaze with dedication. I'm proud of where I come from, where I am now and what the future holds for me going forward."