Cam and I were in Charleston, SC, over the weekend and drove 12 miles north on
Hwy 17 to The Center of Birds of Prey. This Center is a premier avian
conservation facility combining medical care, education, research, and oil
spill response. They have approximately 50 different prey species on exhibit
of which 25 are owls. A mile trail winds through the bird enclosures for
viewing. Guide tours and flight demonstrations are available three days per
week. I was particularly interested in watching and photographing the bird
flights that consisted of Harris's Hawk, Barred Owl, Peregrine Falcon, and
Yellow-billed Kite on this particular Saturday. Birds that participate in
"free" flight are fitted with short leather lanyards attached to their ankles
to assist with holding the bird, a small bell attached to their underside, and
a transmitter/receiver attached to their backs so that if they decide to fly
away they can be located and retrieved. In some of the photos the attachments
have been removed so the birds appear natural. Photos attached are:
First 4 Photos this Post
Harris's Hawk Head ShotHarris's Hawk about to land on postBarred Owl eating
"prey" provided by handlerBarred Owl leaving perch
Second 4 Photos second Post
Peregrine Falcon Head ShotPeregrine Falcon circling viewing areaYellow-billed
Kite head shot, this bird is native to south AfricaYellow-billed Kite circling
viewing area
Alan LenkAsheville
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