Entering the cooler days following a scorching summer, many of our avian friends have taken to the big skies for their annual snowbirding adventure. Gliding back into Southwest Montana for its return event, the annual Bridger Raptor Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th.
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,” “Raptor vs Raptor,” “Build a Nifty Nest Box,” “Bear Safety Education” and “Stories from the Ridge” as well as presentations by Zoo Montana and more.
A highlight every year, Raptor Fest will feature an Oktober Fest event from 10am–3pm both days with live music, food and beer in the Jim Bridger Lodge. All skier services will also be open, with discounted pricing on ’26-’27 season passes through Oct. 31st.
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. •
