Center for Birds of Prey

06/18/2026

More in the red-tailed hawk rescue from MUSC last week.

Blood tests at the Center for Birds of Prey later confirmed signs of rodenticide poisoning, a chemical commonly used to control rodents but hazardous for predators that eat contaminated prey. 🔗: https://www.counton2.com/news/a-hawks-rescue-and-recovery-after-poisoning-draws-attention-to-wildlife-threats/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WCBD_News_2

06/17/2026

Do you see it? Nature’s glow up is underway. 🦅 This young female Peregrine Falcon is beginning the transition from juvenile to adult coloration. Her feet have already changed from blue-gray to yellow, and her cere is beginning to follow.

Bonus fact: This young falcon is growing into one of the fastest animals on the planet. Adult Peregrines can reach speeds of over 200 mph.🚀

06/12/2026

Some recoveries leave us speechless.

This young Great Horned Owl arrived with a severe case of trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection that is often fatal in young birds. The disease had caused significant swelling around his eyes and extensive caseous masses in his mouth and throat, making it difficult for him to eat, swallow, or even breathe.

Just weeks later, his progress has exceeded expectations. Under our care, he continues to grow stronger each day and now spends his time alongside other young Great Horned Owls recovering at our clinic.

He’s not at the finish line yet, but we’re certainly celebrating the progress. 🤍🦉

06/10/2026

A healthy Mississippi Kite back in the skies 🤍

06/06/2026

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership. A portion of MTP Stage Whispers ticket sales will be donated to The Center for Birds of Prey!

This community arts Center in Mount Pleasant will open its doors early this summer. Don’t miss their first performance, RUMORS, A Farce (written by Neil Simon) on July 10 and July 11. 🎭

🎫 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mtp-stage-whispers-presents-rumors-a-hilarious-comedy-by-neil-simon-tickets-1990587687358

The Venue MTP

06/06/2026

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.🦅

This young Red-tailed Hawk was spotted on the campus downtown Charleston, alone and unable to fly. Fortunately for him, one of our incredible volunteers, Dr. Hannah McQueen, was on duty at the hospital and quickly sprang into action, safely containing the bird and coordinating his transport to our clinic.

Upon admission, the hawk was dehydrated, and initial bloodwork suggests possible rodenticide toxicity, a sadly common threat to birds of prey. When rodents consume poison and are later eaten by predators, the effects can move up the food chain with devastating consequences.

For now, this juvenile hawk is receiving supportive care while our team monitors his progress. Stay tuned for updates.

06/05/2026

Same age, different species. Completely different owls.🦉

These six-week-old Northern Hawk Owl and Great Grey Owl chicks are two of our newest Avian Ambassadors. Watch until the end to see their future adult plumage and the different ways they tackle mealtime.

06/02/2026

Meet three of the newest members of our Education Department! 🐥

These chicks recently received their first health check as they begin their journey toward becoming Avian Ambassadors.

Avian Ambassadors play an important role at the Center. Through educational programs and close-up encounters, they help us share fascinating facts about their species, highlight the challenges they face in the wild, showcase their unique behaviors, and inspire others to help protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on.

Once ready, visitors to the Center will have the opportunity to see them up close, discover why these birds are so remarkable and learn about the important role they play.

[Great Grey Owl → American Kestrel → Northern Hawk-Owl]

05/27/2026

Black Scoters are diving ducks built for life at sea. With their feet positioned farther back on their bodies than other ducks, those rapid little kicks help propel them underwater as they dive for fish, crustaceans, and other prey beneath the surface.

While it may look effortless here, imagine doing this in rough ocean water, waves overhead. Every kick serves a purpose.

This male Black Scoter is currently a patient at our Avian Medical Clinic.

Black Scoter inset hit courtesy of Doug Hitchcox