About Us

Thomas JV Cullen III
Founder

With a lifelong passion for birds of prey, Thomas JV Cullen III has dedicated over six decades to the art and science of falconry. His journey began at just 10 years old in 1961 after being inspired by the Disney film Rusty and His Falcon. Fascinated by raptors, he spent the next nine years studying native bird species in the Hudson Valley region of New York.

During his college years in England, Tom trained under Philip Glaser at the National Bird of Prey Centre in Gloucestershire — the first of its kind. After two years, he was promoted to curator, managing one of the world’s largest private raptor collections for seven years.

His passion for learning led him on a global adventure spanning seven years, where he studied falconry and raptor species in diverse regions, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tanzania, Botswana, Australia, Taiwan, Costa Rica, and Central Europe. In 1981, he returned to his roots in Goshen, NY, and established one of the largest privately owned raptor breeding programs in the United States.

In 1996, Tom founded TC Management Inc. and spearheaded the JFK International Airport Bird Strike Program. Over two years, the innovative program used 12 falcons and 4 hawks to safely manage bird strikes, reducing reliance on lethal methods that had previously involved culling over 60,000 seagulls annually.

In 1998, Falconry Excursions was launched, offering one-of-a-kind falconry experiences that continue to captivate and educate guests.

In 2003, as a tribute to America’s resilience following the 9/11 attacks, Tom partnered with the NYC Parks Department to lead the Bald Eagle Release Program at Inwood Hill Park. Over three years, 15 adolescent Bald Eagles were relocated to an artificial nest in Manhattan, resulting in the establishment of numerous nesting pairs within 50 miles of New York City.

Today, Tom remains Chief Falconer at TC Management, applying his unparalleled expertise to falconry programs and bird management solutions across the globe. His passion, experience, and global connections have cemented TC Management as a leader in the pest bird and falconry abatement industry.

Thomas JV Cullen IV
Owner - Director of Operations
 

Born into the ancient art of falconry, Thomas JV Cullen IV was immersed in the world of raptors from the moment he could walk. With both parents as lifelong Master Falconers, Tom grew up surrounded by majestic birds of prey, learning their care, training, and management firsthand. Handling birds bred at their home became second nature to him.

At just nine years old in 1996, Tom made history by becoming the youngest person to pass the New York State Falconer’s Exam, achieving an impressive score of 92%. Earning his falconry license at such a young age, he immediately began working alongside his father on various falconry and bird management projects, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Tom’s formative years were shaped by a disciplined education at the prestigious New York Military Academy, located near the United States Military Academy at West Point. There, he developed critical skills in leadership, discipline, work ethic, and organization that continue to serve him in his professional endeavors. He furthered his education by studying zoology at SUNY Oswego, deepening his understanding of wildlife and conservation.

Under the mentorship of renowned biologists Dr. Heinz Meng, the first person to successfully breed Peregrine Falcons in captivity, and Dr. William Robinson, Tom spent over two decades honing his expertise in trapping and tagging raptor species. These experiences provided him with advanced knowledge of avian behavior, breeding, and conservation strategies.

Building on his father’s legacy, Tom has transformed TC Management’s falconry and bird management services into an industry leader. Under his direction, the company has tackled some of the most challenging pest bird control projects around the globe, with a special focus on the demanding urban environment of New York City. His innovative solutions and commitment to humane, effective bird management have earned TC Management a reputation for excellence.

Tom’s lifelong dedication to falconry, combined with his leadership and deep biological knowledge, has positioned TC Management as a trailblazer in the field. Whether managing large-scale bird abatement projects or continuing to educate the public through interactive falconry experiences, Tom remains committed to preserving the art and science of falconry for generations to come.