Visit the Center for Birds of Prey

Visitor Activities

Your visit generously provides operational support for the Center’s educational, medical, conservation, and research initiatives. We hope that your experience with us will inspire an appreciation for all wild birds and genuine concern for the diminishing habitat upon which they — and we — depend.

Tours Approximately one hour guided tours featuring the Center’s resident birds are offered year-round every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Your admission purchase includes flight demonstrations and all-day access to the grounds.

Flight Demonstrations Watch hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, kites and vultures soar above the flying field and gain fascinating insight into their unique adaptations. Flight demonstrations are offered on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The natural behavior of raptors soaring, gliding and diving in close proximity to audiences young and old represents a most unique and memorable learning experience. Demonstrations may be canceled or delayed in the event of inclement weather.

Exhibit Area. The grounds of the Center are designed as a campus. The exhibit area is pedestrian only, where visitors and students follow natural paths accentuated with subtle interpretive signage and attractive aviaries housing nearly 50 species of eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, vultures and other birds of prey from all parts of the world.

Owl Wood. Owls are universally recognized as some of the most compelling ambassadors for the natural world. Funded through a generous grant from the Spaulding Paolozzi Foundation and encompassing approximately two acres, the Countess Alicia Paolozzi Owl Wood allows visitors to experience owls from around the world in a refined and tranquil setting. Within and beyond the gates of the Owl Wood, the Center’s educators offer both day and night-time programs featuring owls in free-flight. Those who experience the wonder of owls in this manner are profoundly moved and carry away a lasting and meaningful memory.

Hours/Tours. The Center for Birds of Prey is open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Except for pre-arranged group visits, the facility is closed to the public Sunday through Wednesday.

Note: With the exception of certified service dogs, pets are not allowed on Center grounds.

Admission/Fees.
Adults: $15.00
Youth (6 to 16): $10.00
Children younger than 6: Free (must be accompanied by parent or guardian)

Purchase tickets online for tour, flight demonstration and grounds access or purchase by phone by calling Zerve at (800) 979-3370. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

Special rates:

Seniors and Active Duty Military:  $1 discount

AAA:  $2 discount – adult tickets only

Groups of 25 or more:  $12/adult, $8/child

Group Admission. Private group programs and rates available. Please call (843) 971-7474 for details.  More information about group and off-site programs can be found in the “Plan your group visit” tab of this website.

Driving Directions. 
From Charleston: Follow U.S. Highway 17 North through Mt. Pleasant to Awendaw, approximately 12 miles north of Mt. Pleasant and 22 miles from downtown Charleston. The main entrance gate is located at 4719 Highway 17 North.

From Georgetown: Follow U.S. Highway 17 South past McClellanville to Awendaw. Driving time is approximately45minutes.

See Google Map for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do admission fees support the center?
The Avian Conservation Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported solely through admissions, memberships, grants and contributions. Your admission fee provides crucial operational support for the Center’s educational, medical, conservation and research initiatives.

Does the Center have restrooms?
Handicapped accessible restrooms are available on site.

Where do visitors park? Is there a parking fee?
Free parking is available in the designated Visitor Parking area.

How long should one allow for a visit?
Visitors are encouraged to allow a minimum of two hours for a visit. Most visitors suggest setting aside at least three hours so you can experience all the Center has to offer.

Is the Center handicapped accessible?
The Center maintains handicapped accessibility to most public areas of the campus.

Policies

Possession and exhibition of birds at the Center for Birds of Prey is by permission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Pets. With the exception of service dogs for guests with disabilities, pets are not allowed on Center grounds.

Cameras. Visitors are welcome to take photographs during their visit. Flash photography is allowed.

Food and Beverages. Personal coolers are not allowed on site. Two options are available within one-half mile of the Center. The Seewee Restaurant serves lunch and dinner and light snacks. Deli sandwiches are available at the Seewee Outpost. The nearby towns of Mt. Pleasant and McClellanville offer a wide variety of dining experiences within minutes of the Center.

Smoking. The Center is a non-smoking facility.

Littering. Birds may ingest bits of metal, plastic or other litter they find. Please be careful with litter while you are visiting. Trash and recycling receptacles are located throughout our site.

Skateboards. No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, tricycles or scooters are allowed beyond the admissions area of the Center.

Feathers. All migratory birds are protected by state and federal, and permits are required for possession of their feathers. Visitors are not allowed to remove bird feathers from Center property. Please contact a staff member if you have questions regarding feather collection regulations.

Interacting with birds. We must be diligently respectful of the resident birds on display at all times. While the individual birds are well suited for their role as ambassadors, we must refrain from reaching beyond guardrails, mimicking their sounds or movements, or making loud or sudden gestures in their presence.

Group Visit or Corporate Outing?

Educational Groups?

Please contact:

info@thecenterforbirdsofprey.org