Calling all birders, the main event of your St. Pete year is almost here: Raptor Fest at Boyd Hill. The City of St. Petersburg’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting the 11th Annual Raptor Fest on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the beloved nature preserve (1101 Country Club Way South).
This free, family-friendly event offers a close encounter with raptors and a day full of engaging activities. Attendees will get to witness trained raptors in free flight, environmental exhibits, bird walks, and photo opportunities with live birds of prey. Attendees of all ages can enjoy interactive activities, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.
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A free, family-friendly event in St. Pete
Only handicap parking is available at the preserve. Parking will be located at Lake Vista Recreation Center (1401 62nd Ave. S) and Lakewood High School (1400 54th Ave. S), with free shuttle services operating from both locations to the event site.
The mission of Raptor Fest is to support the Birds of Prey program at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. The preserve is home to 17 non-releasable raptors that play a vital role in educational outreach. These birds, deemed non-releasable by licensed rehabilitators, are cared for by the City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department and the Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
Raptor Fest raises over $10,000 annually to support the care and well-being of these birds. It attracts more than 5,000 visitors and dozens of local vendors and environmental organizations.
Learn more about the event here.
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