Jason Cowan, director of the birds of prey at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is seen here with a great-horned owl. The birds that cannot be released into the wild are used as educational ambassadors. Photo from Friends of Boyd Hill
Surrounded by acres of pine flatwoods and picturesque boardwalks, visitors to the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve can get up close and personal with owls, falcons, hawks and vultures.
“Boyd Hill has a lot of regulars who feel a connection with the birds,” said program director Jason Cowan, with Friends of Boyd Hill. “A lot of people who haven’t been before are amazed there is such a big nature preserve right in the middle of St. Pete. They are usually blown away.”
The birds of prey program started at the preserve in 1986 with one turkey vulture, who lived to be more than 30 years old. Today, there are about 20 birds of prey on site most days with 15 or so on display at any given time.
The program is a partnership between Friends of Boyd Hill and the City of St. Petersburg. Both share costs to care for the birds for the rest of their lives. Each has been deemed non-releasable due to past injuries.
Staff and volunteers at Boyd Hill maintain aviaries, handle the birds as educational ambassadors and feed and care for them.
The birds visit schools in Pinellas County and also do occasional private events or community activities, Cowan said.
“It’s a working sanctuary and the birds we take in are guaranteed a spot for the rest of their lives.”
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is located at 1101 Country Club Way. S., St. Petersburg. It is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
