Visitor Activities at The Center for Birds of Prey
Your visit provides operational support for the Center's educational, medical, conservation, and research initiatives. We hope that your experience here will inspire an appreciation for birds of prey and a genuine concern for the diminishing habitat upon which they—and we—depend.
Take a Tour: Guided public tours are offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. year-round.
Enjoy a Flight Demonstration: Watch as hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and vultures soar above the flight demonstration field and learn about their unique hunting and flying techniques. Flight demonstrations are offered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Demonstrations may be canceled or delayed in the event of bad 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 more than 30 species of eagles, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey from all parts of the world. The site includes open flying fields where birds can be observed in free flight, demonstrating the unique adaptations and characteristics of birds of prey. The ability to engage an audience in this dramatic and compelling format represents an unexcelled educational opportunity that fosters a genuine appreciation for birds of prey and concern for the diminishing habitat upon which they depend.
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, the Countess Alicia Paolozzi Owl Wood encompasses approximately two acres of the site in which visitors experience owls from around the world in a refined and tranquil setting, fitting for the contemplation of the harmony and respect that the Center strives to foster. Within and beyond the gates of the Owl Wood, the Center’s educators offer, in both daylight and dark, regular presentations 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 Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The facility is closed to the public Sunday through Wednesday.
Guided public tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., followed by free-flight demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Note: With the exception of service dogs for guests with disabilities, pets are not allowed on Center grounds.
Admission/Fees
Adults – $12.00
Youth (6 –18) – $10.00
Children under 6 free
(children under 6 must be accompanied by parent or guardian)
Group Admission: Private group programs and rates available. Please call (843) 971-7474 for details.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted.
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. Turn right on Seewee Road. Proceed 0.2 mile and turn right at the entrance to The Center for Birds of Prey at 4872 Seewee Road.
From Georgetown—Follow U.S. Highway 17 South through McClellanville to Awendaw. Turn left on Seewee Road. Proceed 0.2 mile and turn right at the entrance to The Center for Birds of Prey at 4872 Seewee Road.
See Google Map for more information.
Common Questions
How do admission fees support the center?
The Center is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported solely through admissions, memberships, grants and contributions. Contributions provide crucial operational support for educational, medical, conservation and research initiatives.
Does the Center have restrooms?
Handicapped accessible restrooms are available on-site
Is food allowed on site?
Personal coolers are not allowed 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.
Is the center handicapped accessible?
Yes, the center maintains handicapped accessibility to most facilities.
Policies
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 Sewee Restaurant serves full course meals and/or light snacks. Deli sandwiches are available at the Sewee 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 cans are located throughout our site.
Skateboards: No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, tricycles, or scooters are allowed past the admissions area of the Center.
Feathers: Visitors are not allowed to take bird feathers off the Center site. Each bird species is protected by a variety of laws, and permits are needed to obtain or hold feathers. Please contact a staff member if you have questions regarding feather collection regulations.
Interacting with birds: The birds found in our exhibit area may walk to the front of their enclosures as visitors approach. This is not a friendly behavior indicating the birds are hungry or curious. Please respect our birds by not reaching past the fences and guard rails that surround their enclosures, vocalizing with the birds, or mimicking their movements.
Resources: Following list of online resources relative to birds of prey. This list is by no means exhaustive but is meant to encourage further study. If you find a link that you feel would be useful, please contact us about it here.
