Raptor Fest at Rancho San Vicente

Join us for an incredible event that will feature important species of raptors, who play an integral role in the health of our ecosystems! Join POST and Santa Clara County Parks for Raptor Fest - a free educational event celebrating birds of prey and their vital role in our ecosystems! This unique experience will be held at Rancho San Vicente, a newer addition to Calero County Park protected by POST, that is becoming a premier raptor viewing destination in the Bay Area. Featured presenter Master Falconer Kenny Elvin of Full Circle Falconry will share the history of falconry, raptor biology, and behavior, and, depending on conditions, may include a flight demonstration. Visit booths hosted by Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Center, Predatory Bird Research Group at UC Santa Cruz, and Talon Ecological Research Group to learn how local organizations are protecting birds, rehabilitating wildlife, restoring habitats, and advancing conservation through research, education, and community action. This is your chance to see and learn about birds of prey while discovering the importance of conservation in our communities! Please note that children are welcome and encouraged to attend! However, this event is a 75-minute sit-and-listen educational program and may be better suited to kids aged 10 or older. Keep in mind that this event is less intended to entertain than to educate our community about the lives of our local birds of prey and how we can better take care of them as a community. Presentation Schedule • 10:00 - 11:15 AM: First Show by Kenny Elvin • 12:30 - 1:45 PM: Second Show by Kenny Elvin • Note: The presentation is repeated; please register for only one show. Important Event Information • Shuttle service required - Due to limited parking at the event site, free shuttle transportation is required and will be provided. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any special accommodation needs. • Seating is on the ground - Presentations will take place outdoors with ground seating. Please bring a picnic blanket. Chairs are welcome but must be set up behind guests seated on blankets. • No pets please - Pets can startle the raptors and cause them to fly away before visitors have a chance to observe them. We ask that you leave pets at home to protect the birds and ensure the best experience for everyone. • All are welcome! This 75-minute sit-and-listen program is best suited for kids aged 10 or older. It will be educational information rather than an entertainment show. • Come prepared for outdoor conditions - Please bring your reusable water bottle (we'll have a refill station available) and dress in layers, a hat, and sunscreen for changing weather. Feel free to pack snacks, but please avoid bringing any meat products as the raptors may be attracted to them. • Weather policy - This event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Please check your email closer to the event date for any updates. • Health guidelines - Please do not attend if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.