ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – If you’ve ever wanted to see a hawk dive or look an owl right in the eye, clear your schedule for this Saturday. St. Petersburg is gearing up for its 12th annual Raptor Fest at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve on February 7.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this local favorite is completely free and serves as a massive “thank you” to the birds of prey that call our city home.
The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the live flight demonstrations, where trained raptors swoop through the air to show off their speed and precision.
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For those who prefer a slower pace, there are guided bird walks, hands-on environmental booths, and rare photo ops with the birds.
Since this event usually draws a crowd of over 5,000 people, organizers are asking everyone to skip the preserve’s parking lot unless they have a handicap permit. Instead, just hop on one of the free shuttles running all day from Lake Vista Recreation Center or Lakewood High School.
Beyond the fun and food trucks, there’s a real cause behind the festivities.
The event helps fund the care for 17 “non-releasable” birds—ambassadors that can’t return to the wild due to injuries or other factors. These residents at Boyd Hill rely on the $10,000-plus raised during the fest for their food and medical needs. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday outdoors while making sure these local icons stay healthy and well-fed.
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