A visit to the Center for Birds of Prey, SC

We visited the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw on Saturday 12/4/2021 for a flight demonstration. The center is celebrating 30 years in service of the community. It includes three divisions: The Avian Medical Center, The Oil Spill Treatment facility and The Center for Birds of Prey. Their mission statement is “To identify and address vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of prey and shorebirds, and through educational, research, and conservation initiatives.“

They have been very busy, caring for about 600 birds per year in their hospital. 7,000 birds have gone through the facility. They offer educational programs to the public in private groups on their campus or virtually. Check their web site for a variety of programs open to the public such as the one we attended. I would very much like to go back for their photography class. They house hundreds of birds, some arriving through injury, others born in the center. The center is active in studying and remediating environmental hazards affecting the bird population as well as conducting research. The SC Oil Spill Treatment Facility is “the only permanent oil spill treatment center of its kind on the eastern seaboard. “

The flight demonstration we attended was quite an educational experience. We were introduced to five birds. We learned about each and developed a new appreciation for them and the difficulties they may be facing in their natural habitat. The birds flew just next to us from one tree trunk to another. It is amazing to see them up close and watch them fly over following their caretaker.

After the demonstration we wandered about the center observing other birds in large enclosures before stopping by their gift shop.

The center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is always appreciative of donations to help cover their extensive operating costs.

Reference The Center for Birds of Prey, About the center