The City's Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back the Annual Raptor Fest for its 11th flight at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, inviting nature enthusiasts and families alike for a day of feathery festivities on February 1.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you can delve into the world of majestic birds of prey without spending a dime—admission is completely free. The event is tailor-made for the curious and the fervent bird lovers, offering everything from live raptor demonstrations, bird walks, to the chance to snap your new avian-themed profile pic with the preserve's feathered residents, according to City of St. Petersburg's announcement.
Those who've ever dreamt of seeing a hawk or an eagle up close can witness those and other birds of prey soar during free-flight demos. Interactive activities will be bountiful, ensuring all ages are entertained. If hunger strikes, food and beverages will hit the spot with a variety of options for purchase. However, remember to park your car at one of the off-site parking locations, as the preserve itself only has handicap parking available.
Good to know before you go: parking for Raptor Fest is off-site, with accessible shuttle service running from Lake Vista Recreation Center and Lakewood High School to the preserve. The shuttle service is a nifty workaround since the on-site is quite limited, so don't let the quest for a parking spot ruffle your feathers. Every year, the fest garners over $10,000 in support of Boyd Hill's Birds of Prey program—an avian sanctuary and educational hub for rehabilitated yet non-releasable raptors. These well-cared-for birds, as the City of St. Petersburg explains, are major players in local outreach efforts.
Raptor Fest is your chance to get involved. Visit raptorfest.org or call 727-893-7326 for details on adoption programs and the event. Join the fun at Boyd Hill on February 1st and see these majestic birds in action.
