With Charleston’s spring break approaching, any families who have opted for a staycation will be looking for ways to fill a few hours. I highly recommend the Center for Birds of Prey as a just-outta-town field trip worth taking! We paid our first visit over the weekend, and it is an impressive facility. Situated on about 150 acres, over one hundred hawks, owls, eagles and friends are housed in cabin-like structures. Guests can join one of two daily tours or just amble along shaded gravel paths, checking out more than 30 species. Our kids oohed and aahed at each enclosure, pointing out the cutest, fluffiest and noisiest birds. The flight demonstrations are really cool, too!

We were inspired to make the 20-minute trek after Pearsall (the hubby) smacked into a red-tailed hawk several weeks ago. The poor bird had become one with the grill of his Wagoneer, and he called the Center for help in freeing the injured bird. A volunteer appeared on the scene within minutes to retrieve the hawk and took it to the center’s medical facility. Although “our bird” is still several weeks from being able to see visitors, we look forward to future trips to the center — now that we’re card-carrying members.

Despite the pristine outdoor setting, picnicking is discouraged (lest you and your lunch become a talon temptation to a turbocharged bird). All the more reason to fill up on fried shrimp and hushpuppies at the nearby Sewee Restaurant before or after your visit.