My 6½ year old granddaughter's dream is to become a falconer. She is frequently seen wearing a glove on her hand with a stuffed owl fasten to it. When my daughter-in-law discovered The Center for Birds of Prey, our plans to visit were kept secret until today. The surprise was rewarded by expressions of true delight.
With nearly fifty species represented, the Center’s collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the United States. They offered us an up-close view to bird flight demonstrations and unique insight into the lives and impressive adaptations of birds of prey from around the world including eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, kites, and vultures.
Wild birds are among the world’s most illuminating sentinel species. Birds are numerous, conspicuous, diverse, widespread, and particularly sensitive to environmental changes. The status of wild bird populations directly reflects the overall condition of our ecosystem and biodiversity as a whole. Environmental issues that impact wild bird populations often have potential human health implications as well making the study of these populations increasingly relevant and critical to our own sustainability. What a day of education!
We began with one of three educational programs offered. The first was the most compelling flight demonstration we've ever seen. For over an hour we were introduced to numerous birds, showcasing what each species has to offer.
We were so impressed by hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, kites, and vultures who performed their natural flying and hunting techniques, providing us with a fascinating insight into their unique evolutionary adaptations. The natural behavior of raptors soaring, gliding, and diving in such close proximity to us was so amazing.We then headed to Owl Wood where we were given a very informative tour and learned way more about these spectacular creatures than we had hoped!We discovered more about key avian species as we followed natural paths accentuated with subtle interpretive signage and attractive aviaries housing nearly 50 species of birds of prey from all parts of the world. Wow.We ended our day of Birds of Prey meeting three different owls. These majestic creatures were so close to us, one even touched my hat in flight. So dang cool!We also learned about the Avian Conservation Center’s medical clinic operates 365 days a year with support from more than 80 trained and dedicated Volunteer Staff members. This state-of-the-art medical facility treats as many as 1000 injured birds of prey and shorebirds each year. Since its founding, the Center has admitted over 15,000 birds for treatment and release.
What a perfect final South Carolina day!
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