Center for Birds of Prey gets set for big day on June 5

AWENDAW — While many zoos name their animals, don't expect to meet any Tweeties or Woodstocks at the Center for Birds of Prey.

Although names seem to be all that stick with people visiting animal exhibits — think Shamu — that's not important to this center's staff. They would much rather people learn something about their feathered friends, whether it's information on their behavior or ways to protect them.

"As long as we're teaching something," said Stephen Schabel, the center's education director.

The Center for Birds of Prey will open to the public for the first time June 5. The rustic, $2 million outdoor center will allow visitors to take a guided tour, watch bird-flight demonstrations, and see and learn about 40 species of 100 birds from around the world. It's a moment that's the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work, delays and commitment to a vision for an on-site educational center.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for us," said Jim Elliott, the nonprofit center's executive director.

Officials hope to make enough money from ticket sales to move forward with other projects, such as visitor and education centers. They also want to fund more research and support an on-site medical-care center for birds.

Center staff have been educating the community for years by visiting schools and, more recently, scheduling groups to visit the site. But the new center enables handlers to show more of the raptors while putting less stress on themselves and the birds, Schabel said.

The raptor exhibits have few informational signs, and officials said that's intentional, mostly to keep the center as personable as possible. Knowledgeable tour guides will lead visitors through the exhibits.

Flight demonstrations will be a staple offering at the center. On Tuesday, the staff had four birds — a black vulture, a saker falcon, a yellow-billed kite and a ural owl— take to the air to illustrate different flying styles, physical characteristics and behavioral adaptations.

The birds weren't tethered to trainers, and all that kept them from flying away was positive reinforcement and hours of training.

One tucked its wings and hurtled toward the ground at more than 50 mph for its target, while another swooped near the ground in search of food.

The black vulture wasn't concerned with its speed or noise as it sailed across the field. Schabel explained that's because the vulture preys on dead animals, and the bird doesn't need to be quiet or quick to catch them.

He pointed toward the empty, blazing blue sky before the vulture flew and predicted that would change. Moments later, three wild vultures rose in the distance and began making circles in the air. Schabel explained the black vulture looks to other vultures to find its prey, and the wild vultures were checking to see what the center's vulture was lunging toward on the ground.

Visitors won't see birds walking on a tight rope carrying an umbrella; center staff walk a careful line between entertainment and education.

"We would not ask the birds to do anything they wouldn't naturally do in the wild," Elliott said.

Conservation and education about birds of prey is their goal. Center staff were excited about the upcoming public opening and looked forward to sharing the center and its birds.

"We don't know what to expect," Schabel said. "We're hoping for lots of people. I've been waiting for this since I've been here."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Center for Birds of Prey

WHERE: 4872 Seewee Road in Awendaw

WHEN: Opens to the public June 5; will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

WHAT'S OFFERED: Guided walking tours will be offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and flight demonstrations will be offered at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Staff members and volunteers will be available to answer questions for visitors who wish to explore the facility alone.

HOW MUCH: Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for 6- to 18-year-olds. Children under 6 are admitted free but must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at the center, the Charleston Visitor Center and online.

MORE INFO: thecenterforbirdsofprey.org

Reach Diette Courrégé at dcourrege@postandcourier.com or 937-5546.

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