Every Bird Tells a Story: OUR AMBASSADOR BIRDS

The Center’s approximately 110 ambassador birds each play a vital role in environmental education, helping visitors form direct connections with wildlife. Whether in free flight demonstration or up close on a trainer’s glove, these encounters make abstract environmental issues like habitat loss, climate change, and decline in biodiversity feel real and urgent. Their presence allows […]

A Message from Our CEO: Stephen Schabel

When I joined the Center in 2003, the lure of the birds was undeniable. The opportunity to work so closely with such amazing and powerful creatures carried a “cool factor” that no other job could hold a candle to. As a teacher by training, I recognized the value of these ambassador birds as educational partners […]

Gratitude and Celebration: Wingspan 2025 – Taking Flight was a magical night. 

Each year, this special evening shines a light on our medical, educational, and conservation efforts—providing the resources that keep our mission soaring and ensuring our “Birds First” philosophy guides everything we do. Whether you sponsored, purchased a table or ticket, supported Fund-A-Need, joined the raffle, or bid in the auction—you made a true difference. Thank […]

Together We Rise – Because You Care

Wingspan 2025 Today, as we prepare for our primary annual fall fundraising event—Wingspan 2025-Taking Flight, we are celebrating this year’s Wingspan sponsors—organizations and individuals who exhibit the best of community engagement and corporate philanthropy.  The proceeds we raise from Wingspan are vital to our work; providing the operating capital our organization requires to carry this […]

Preserving and Empowering Life – The Avian Medical Clinic

Each day, our Clinic operates with a “birds first” mindset, ensuring that every decision and treatment plan is made in the best interest of the patient. Our goal is simple yet powerful and profound: to give wild birds a second chance-to return them to flight! From emergency intake and triage to ongoing medical treatment and […]

Wisdom on the Wings

Foremost among the goals of our educational program is bringing this opportunity to students outside of our historical reach, both geographically as well as resource-wise. Our ability to further the educational impact of the Center’s mission relies significantly on support from advocates, like-minded organizations, and the generous support of our community. Partnerships with Friends of […]

Every Bird Tells a Story

A neighbor spotted a struggling Red-tailed Hawk right on our property line and quickly alerted us. When we admitted her, we were shocked at her condition. Not only was she severely emaciated and dehydrated, but she also had trauma in both eyes, poor feather quality, and advanced “bumblefoot” in both feet—a painful bacterial infection from […]

Making a Difference Every Day

Over 16,000 injured will birds received advanced medical care in our Medical Clinic. Offering more than 350 educational programs every year for students and adults throughout South Carolina and beyond.  Contributing to numerous research and conservation efforts with partners on local, national and international levels.