Have you ever felt the wind created by a hawk’s wings? Avian Park in Awendaw near Charleston is where you can experience that. This isn’t just any park. It’s home to the Center for Birds of Prey a place dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured raptors. Founded in 1991 it started as a sanctuary for hawks falcons and owls. Over the years Avian Park’s mission expanded. It now includes an Avian Medical Center and even a South Carolina Oil Spill Treatment Facility.
The Center for Birds of Prey at Avian Park is open to the public. Guided tours take you through aviaries housing birds unable to survive in the wild. The guides don’t just name the birds. They tell stories. Stories about what happens when these magnificent creatures are absent. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for every bird you see especially those often overlooked like vultures and buzzards.
The flight demonstrations are unforgettable. Imagine falcons diving hawks soaring and owls gliding silently just inches above your head. The Mississippi kites are a crowd favorite. They swoop down to catch tiny pieces of meat a skill they use to hunt dragonflies and cicadas in mid-air. The Owl Wood is the tour’s final stop. Here you might meet fluffy Eurasian eagle owl chicks. They’re surprisingly large even at six weeks old.
Avian Park isn’t just a place to see birds. It’s a place to learn about their vital role in our ecosystem. It’s a center for research education and conservation. More than 600 injured raptors and shorebirds are treated and released each year at Avian Park. This amazing place embodies the spirit of conservation and education. So come and witness the magic of Avian Park for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. The memories will last a lifetime.