Birds of Prey     

The island is an amazing habitat for birds from the tiny but vocal Carolina Wren to the magnificent Bald Eagle. It is easy to see 10 or more species on any walk.

Last Spring, when chicks were hatching everywhere, my wife and I watched a hawk chick fall out of its nest. We were a bit stunned. The chick got up and began to walk around, exploring a whole new world. It was obliviously too immature to fly and too young to be able to take care of itself. We wondered what to do.

I had heard of an organization called the Center for Birds of Prey, found their phone number, and left a message about the baby hawk. Within a few minutes, a call came back from a volunteer on the island. They asked a few questions, and suggested we make a nest out of a basket or box to get the bird off the ground and safely in a tree. My wife found a basket and we tied it into a small tree. I picked up the bird wearing a pair of gloves and placed it in the basket.

The next morning two volunteers, “real students of birds” arrived to assess the bird’s condition and discuss options. They provided thoughtful insights regarding nesting behaviors of siblings and parents, probability of survivability, and an overview of the rehabilitation resources at the Center for Birds of Prey. We learned a great deal about the challenges of success for a bird to go from hatchling to fledgling and make it out of the nest on their own. The chick may have been nudged out by a larger sibling, or a parent struggling to feed its brood. This nest had three chicks, a tough and demanding assignment.

Mature birds of prey also have accidents or become ill, threatening their lives. That is where there The Center for Birds of Prey can offer the most support. In cases where a positive outcome is probable, one call can trigger a network of volunteers who work to capture and deliver an injured bird of prey to the Center in Charleston.

The Center is equipped to handle hawks, osprey, owls, eagles, and large shore birds such as herons, egrets, and pelicans. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to save a small songbird.

An island resident and long-time volunteer for the Center for Birds of Prey. offers these guidelines for what to do if you find an ill or injured bird of prey.

Call 843.971.7474 and select Option 1 to submit a report

Email: [email protected]

Center Volunteers are trained in how to capture and handle birds. Trying to capture a bird is dangerous for you and the bird. Wait for skilled help to arrive.

The volunteer also offered a few suggestions on what we can do to improve the environment for large birds. Fishing lines and hooks left hanging in trees are the most common source of injury to herons and egrets. If you get a snag while fishing, please do your best to remove it completely. In addition, birds like it dark either because they are nesting or hunting. Landscaping up-lights impair night vision for nocturnal birds and cast light into nesting sites for birds who want to sleep at night   Alternatively, consider down-lighting. If you can see the bulb, it may have unfavorable impact on bird habitat.

Remember to pause and look up. Our island offers many splendid birds to observe and cherish.