Our Feathered Ambassadors
June 18, 2013: The Historic Rotary Club of Charleston was treated to a demonstration of the good work of The Center for Birds of Prey, which is home to more than 120 raptors including owls, falcons, hawks, eagles and other birds on donated land that anyone can visit in Awendaw.
The grateful residents in the collection comprise more than 50 species of these winged beauties, many of whom have been rescued from accidents, gunfire, disease and pollution. As the Center’s Director of Development, Burwell Boykin aptly said, “these amazing assets of the center are our greatest illustration of our mission and purpose.”
The Head of Education for the Center, Stephen Schabel then stepped up and led the Club through nothing short of an enthralling education for the next 30 minutes. “What we’re about,” he said, “is not only about birds of prey, but all birds. Think about it…how many birds do we see each day? What do they tell us about our environment?”
Schabel then treated us to a demonstration of the Center’s success by introducing us first to a Harris Hawk and then a Eurasian Eagle Owl, both of which soared just barely over our heads in graceful display of their talents.
“These creatures are important predictors of the safety of our food and environment,” Schabel instructed. “They eat what we eat, they drink what we drink, so if they fall ill, we need to pay attention.”
The Club audience was amazed at just how obedient the birds were as they flew about the Holliday Alumni Center, landing delicately on different perches of light fixtures, ceiling abutments and the few other high spots in the banquet hall.
With a five foot wing span and a head that rotates more than 360 degrees, the Eurasian Eagle Owl held the audience’s attention as Schabel explained that the Center’s approach in working with these birds is to use positive reinforcement. “I am essentially, this bird’s mother,” he said. “Since it was just a few weeks old, I have cared for her.” When prompted, the large owl cried, saying everyone was certain in perfect english, “No!” That, he explained was her way of crying like a baby.
Boykin spoke up again, about the mission of the Center, defining just how important the well-being of these creatures is to all of us. “They are the ambassadors to all of us, reminding us how fragile our ecosystem is.”
With a budget of only $750,000 per year, the Center staff travels often to spread the word of its important work. “If it were not for the dedicated efforts of the volunteers, we would not be able to achieve our mission,” Boykin said. “Our mission is the rehabilitation and preservation of these birds, and to educate all people about our special brand of conservation.”
The Center treats more than 400 birds each year with different varieties of afflictions, the most common of which are the effects of oil spills.
“These are the ‘sentinel species,’” said Schabel. “They will help ensure that we protect ourselves, from ourselves.”
The Center for Birds of Prey is a living example of service above self, flying high with humility and purpose.
Submitted by Mark Danes, Keyway Committee