Visitors can see birds of prey, such as owls, hawks, falcons and eagles, up close and personal Saturday at the 12th annual Raptor Fest.
The event, at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, is free to the public and will take place from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
A 245-acre property located in south St. Petersburg, Boyd Hill is currently the home of 17 indigenous raptors. These residents are a part of the Birds of Prey program – which was introduced in 1986.
The initiative, a collaboration between the City of St. Petersburg and nonprofit Friends of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, aims to teach children and adults about how to coexist with the animals.
“We’re an educational facility,” Friends of Boyd Hill executive director Jason Cowen explained. “What that means is that we only take in birds once they’ve reached the end of the line for being released.”
This is determined by licensed rehabilitators.
Wing and eye injuries are common, he added. Additionally, some of the raptors were once pets but their owners wanted to surrender them. However, due to domestication, they could not be released.
The Boyd Hill staff chooses birds that they believe “would do well” in an educational setting.
“We’re very particular because what we do with the animals is not part of their genetic duties,” Cowen said. “So, we use food to motivate them and build bonds with them.”
Master falconer Steve Hoddy giving a “free flight” demonstration.
One of the birds under the team’s care is a bald eagle. Interestingly, they are aware of his roots. Abiaka, who was nest-monitored at Honeymoon Island State Park, was injured after falling after a storm.
To keep the raptors in captivity, state and federal permits are required.
Since the program is overseen by a government agency, the City was able to receive a federal permit exemption. All of the birds besides Abiaka are under the license. The state also honors the exemption, Cowen explained.
Abiaka requires a “higher degree of permit” because he is a bald eagle.
A key aspect of the Birds of Prey initiative is youth programming. Children take field trips to the preserve to meet the birds and learn more about their species.
However, Cowen and his colleagues occasionally travel with some of the raptor residents as well. They bring them to schools, museums and even nursing homes.
Since it can be dangerous to touch the birds, the Boyd Hill team usually displays biological artifacts as well, including feathers and skulls. This allows participants, Cowen added, to still have a hands-on experience.
The Saturday event will feature environmental exhibits, guided bird walks, children’s activities and even photo opportunities with live raptors. There will also be demonstrations of trained birds of prey in “free flight,” led by master falconer Steve Hoddy.
According to the City, Raptor Fest raises more than $10,000 each year to support Boyd Hill and its residents. To learn more about the event, visit this link.