Birds of Prey- Wings of the Eagle

October 9th, 2007: The club experienced a very special program today as speaker, JIM ELLIOTT, of The International Center for Birds of Prey brought us news of the progress at their new location. Just 10 minutes from Mt. Pleasant, their donated site of 152 acres is as beautiful as it is productive.

Birds help us to understand the overall health of the ecosystem health of our environment. Just as birds were the first predictors of the dangers of DDT in 1967, the must recent findings on the West Nile Virus have come from studying birds. Birds at the center, mostly birds of prey are injured in many ways include gunshot wounds and contact with high power lines. Each bird has a story and that story is share with children in schools as a part of the educational program of the center. In fact, their lectures go as far away as presentations in Central Park in New York City.

Nationally, the greatest danger to birds has been due to oil spills. No such spill has ever happened in the Carolinas but since our Atlantic Ocean area is a major incubator of sea and bird life, such a spill here would be devastation. The center, while hoping not to use it is equipped to help birds who may be exposed to a spill.

The Bald Eagle has made an amazing comeback with over 200 eagle pairs in our state. The birds mate for life and live a very long life [up to 49 years have been recorded in captivity]. As a special treat Jim brought us a five year old eagle who preened and spread his wings for us. Eagles are full grown in 9 weeks and totally ready to fly at 16. Their speed of growth surpasses all other living creatures.

The Birds of Prey Center’s mission is to identify and address vital environmental issues by providing medical care to injured birds of prey and through educational, research and conservation initiatives. If you wish to help, call 928-3494.

Reported by Fred Sales, Keyway Committee