The Montana skies are a little less congested as fall settles in, with many avian species already soaking up the Southern sun. Gliding back into Southwest Montana for its return event, the annual Bridger Raptor Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th. Sponsored by the Sacajawea Audubon Society, events are FREE and open to the public. Raptor Fest centers on the largest known Golden Eagle migration in the United States, with a local raptor migration count taking place every fall at the top of the Ridge.
Raptor Fest activities include two days of live bird talks, nature walks, educational programs, exhibitors and entertainment for people of all ages. Some of the events on this year’s calendar include “Binocular Blitz,” “Great Migration Challenge,” “Sketch-a-Bird,” “Raptor vs Raptor” and “Build a Nifty Nest Box,” among others. A highlight every year, Raptor Fest will feature an Oktober Fest event from 10am–6pm on Saturday and 10am–3pm on Sunday with live music, food and beer in the Jim Bridger Lodge. All skier services will also be open, with discounted pricing on ’24-’25 season passes through Oct. 31st.
Please note: there will be no Ellen Theatre kick-off prior to the main event. Plan to enjoy the weekend’s many planned activities at Bridger Bowl.
Find a full schedule of Raptor Fest weekend events and learn more at www.bridgerraptorfest.com. The annual celebration promotes an awareness and appreciation for the migration of raptors and other wildlife through the Northern Rockies. •
