Wingspan 2026

Each year, our fall gala brings together a cherished community of stakeholders who support and empower our critical mission.  Through their support, we witness the impact that thoughtful philanthropy has on our ability to achieve our mission. This community consists of individuals and organizations who choose to be the leading sponsors of this event. *To […]

Building a Legacy Through Future Conservationists

That opportunity has grown significantly in recent years. Once primarily serving students from local colleges and universities, the Center’s internship program has grown to now offer stipends for part-time and full-time internships year-round, attracting students from colleges and universities across the country. Our 2026 summer intern class is represented by currently enrolled or recent graduates […]

A Special Message from our Founder

There has been nothing more moving than to have the Center included in honoring or remembering someone who has shared in the appreciation for the value and wonder of wild birds and the Center’s legacy of understanding and protecting them. Over the years, numerous families have offered to have donations in support of the Center […]

A Final Flight Before Freedom

For the Center’s veterinary team, the injury presented a serious challenge. Because the break was located so close to the head of the humerus, surgical repair came with a guarded prognosis. She underwent surgery to stabilize the fracture, followed by months of rehabilitation and physical therapy designed to restore strength, mobility, and range of motion […]

Curiosity Takes Flight

While the free-flight demonstration captures every eye, the questions it inspires reveal the experience’s deeper impact. Why can an eagle see so far? How do birds survive powerful storms? What happens when a raptor is injured? Those conversations become an engaging introduction to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—not simply as classroom subjects, but as tools […]

A Message from our CEO

I believe the next five years could represent the most exciting chapter in our history. While we have firmly established ourselves as a leading resource for our community, our vision is for the Avian Conservation Center to become an even more influential leader in our fields by expanding the depth and reach of our work. […]

BECAUSE YOU CARE—CELEBRATING OUR BIRD SONGS 2026 SPONSORS

Every day for the past 35 years, we have been humbled by, and proud of, all the organizations and individuals who intentionally choose to support our work.  Our Bird Songs—The Nashville Songwriters Event was a clear example of the generosity of this year’s sponsors.  Please join us in celebrating them.  Their support helps us continue […]

TOGETHER WE RISE—CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEER STAFF

Long before a bird is released or a student encounters a raptor for the first time, our impact begins with focused, often unseen effort. Across our Avian Medical Clinic and The Center for Birds of Prey’s education programs, volunteer staff turn that effort into outcomes. We are extraordinarily proud to celebrate the contributions of all […]

PRESERVING & EMPOWERING AVIAN LIFE

Most people who are not directly involved in caring for injured birds in this capacity cannot comprehend the depth of knowledge and dedication this work demands. Providing medical care for wild birds extends beyond anatomical knowledge or how to properly bandage a wing. It requires an understanding of the unique natural history and behaviors of […]

Wisdom on the Wings: Jim Elliott

As far back as the early 90’s, the Center (then the Charleston Raptor Center) participated in the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition although much differently than its significant presence today. At that time, the SEWE wildlife exhibitions were held along a circular corridor on the second floor of the College of Charleston bookstore on Calhoun Street. […]