Center for Birds of Prey

08/26/2026

Board Chair Peter McKellar IV’s connection to our Center has always been personal. It began through his father, Peter McKellar III, a dedicated volunteer staff member and passionate advocate for the Center for more than 17 years. Today, Pete carries that connection forward through his own leadership and commitment to our mission.

That connection also extends through Harbor Contracting, whose continued support has made a tremendous impact on the Center over the years.

As we celebrate 35 years of the Avian Conservation Center, we are proud to recognize Harbor Contracting as a Premier Sponsor of Wingspan 2026.

Celebrate with us on October 25th🥂 Tickets available now!

https://thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/wingspan/

wingspan2026

08/20/2026

Remember this Great Horned Owl? 🦉

When he arrived at our Avian Medical Clinic a few months ago, he was extremely weak with a severe case of trichomonosis - a parasitic disease that causes impaired vision, and lesions that make it difficult or impossible to eat.

He had a long road ahead, but with treatment and time, he began gaining strength. His mouth cleared, his condition improved, and eventually he was ready for the moment we had all been hoping for…

Back to the wild. 🤍

Center Ambassador and friend, Cacky Rivers, had the honor of sending this Great Horned Owl back where he belongs. Thank you Cacky Rivers Photography!

From critically ill to flying free. This is why we do what we do.

08/17/2026

PART 2 | “Under the hood” means something a little different around here. 👀

Falconry hoods have been used for centuries, and removing one with a single hand is a skill that takes plenty of practice to master.

08/14/2026

For years, First Capital Bank has been a generous partner of the Avian Conservation Center - supporting the mission, programs, and people that make our work possible.

That continued commitment is especially meaningful as we celebrate 35 years of the Center and look ahead to Wingspan 2026: Legacy & Leadership. We are proud to recognize First Capital Bank as this year’s Presenting Sponsor and grateful for the role they continue to play in helping move the Center’s work forward. Their support is a reminder of what strong community partnership can look like: long-term, invested, and rooted in a shared commitment to the Lowcountry.

We are thankful to have them alongside us for Wingspan and for the work that continues long after the evening is over.

Join us for Wingspan 2026 on Sunday, October 25. 🦅

Tickets on sale now: https://thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/wingspan/

📸 All photography by Kim McManus

08/13/2026

Celebrate 35 years with us. 🥂

Join us for Wingspan 2026: Legacy & Leadership, a special evening honoring founder Jim Elliott, celebrating 35 years of the Avian Conservation Center, the Center’s next generation of leadership.

Birds in flight. Dinner outdoors. 35 years of stories.

Sunday, October 25 | 4–7 PM
On the Center grounds in Awendaw
Tickets available now:

https://thecenterforbirdsofprey.org/wingspan/

✨Presented by First Capital Bank

07/31/2026

When the power goes out… patient care doesn’t. 🦅

A little behind the scenes from a few days ago. The Center was without power for a short time, but patient care couldn’t stop. Our Avian Medical team made the most of the daylight coming through the windows, carefully positioning patients so treatments could continue safely.

A great reminder that caring for wildlife often means adapting to whatever the day brings. 🤍

07/29/2026

Literally built for speed 🦅💨

A falcon’s nostrils aren specially designed to help it breathe while diving at incredible speeds. Inside each nostril is a small cone-shaped structure that helps regulate airflow, reducing the force of rushing air as the bird flies. It’s one of the remarkable adaptations that allows falcons to hunt at breathtaking speeds.

When in pursuit, this Lanner Falcon can dive up to 140 mph.

Stay tuned for Part 2 to see how the hood is removed with one hand and reveal the Lanner falcon beneath.

07/26/2026

Life along the coast can be challenging for young Brown Pelicans.🤎

These pelican chicks arrived at our Avian Medical Clinic from different locations along the South Carolina coast, each needing critical care during a vulnerable stage of life.

Our team immediately began treating them for the challenges they faced while providing supportive care, hydration, warmth, proper nutrition, and around-the-clock monitoring.

Recovery is not always predictable, especially for young birds. Every patient that comes through our doors is given the very best chance, and that is a promise our Center makes every single day. 🤍

07/26/2026

A big story from earlier this month. Thank you to Harbor Contracting and Reggie Gibson Architects for bringing this essential Eagle Recovery Flight Enclosure to life. And thank you to our generous supporters who made this project possible. Together, you're helping give recovering eagles the best possible chance to return to the wild. 🦅

AWENDAW, S.C. (WCBD) – As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Avian Conservation Center opened a fitting new building. A 120-foot enclosure is dedicated to an animal that symboli…