Fascinating Center for Birds of Prey: An Unforgettable Flight Demonstration in Awendaw, SC

We visited the Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, South Carolina, on Saturday, December 4, 2021, to attend a flight demonstration. The center was celebrating 30 years of serving the community, and our visit gave us a fascinating look at these magnificent birds and the important work being done to protect them.

The organization includes three divisions: the Avian Medical Center, the South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility, and the Center for Birds of Prey. Its mission is to identify and address important environmental issues through medical care for injured birds of prey and shorebirds, along with education, research, and conservation initiatives.

The center stays busy caring for approximately 600 birds each year, with thousands of birds having passed through its facilities. Some arrive injured and require medical treatment before being released back into the wild, while others cannot survive independently and become permanent residents. The center also plays an important role in researching and addressing environmental threats affecting bird populations.

One particularly impressive part of the organization is the South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility, described by the center as the only permanent oil-spill treatment facility of its kind on the eastern seaboard. Its work is especially important for protecting birds and other wildlife affected by environmental disasters.

The center offers a variety of educational programs, both on campus and virtually. We attended one of their public flight demonstrations, and it was an incredible experience. We were introduced to five birds and learned about each one, including their characteristics, behaviors, and the challenges they can face in the wild.

The highlight was watching the birds fly remarkably close to us. They moved from one tree trunk to another and even followed their caretakers overhead. Seeing these magnificent creatures fly just a few feet away was completely different from observing them from a distance in the wild. The experience gave me a much greater appreciation for their strength, beauty, and the difficulties they can encounter in their natural habitats.

After the demonstration, we wandered around the center and observed other birds in their large enclosures before stopping at the gift shop. I left with a new appreciation for the important conservation work happening here. I’d especially like to return someday for one of their photography classes.

The Center for Birds of Prey is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and donations help support its extensive medical, educational, conservation, and operating costs. A visit isn’t simply an entertaining experience—it also supports an organization dedicated to protecting some of our most remarkable wildlife.

If You Go

Location: Awendaw, South Carolina
What to see: Flight demonstrations, resident birds of prey, educational exhibits, and conservation facilities.
Flight demonstrations: Check the current schedule before visiting, as programs and times can change.
Educational programs: The center offers a variety of public programs, including demonstrations and photography opportunities.
Photography: Bring your camera! A photography class is an excellent option for anyone interested in capturing birds in flight.
Allow time: Give yourself time to explore the enclosures after the flight demonstration.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Tip: Check the center’s website before your visit for current admission information, program schedules, and special events.
Support: Consider making a donation or purchasing something from the gift shop to support the center’s conservation work.