MURRELLS INLET, SC – On Saturday, April 2nd, Huntington Beach State Park will host its 2nd annual Birds of Prey Day. Enjoy a day of bird-themed programs and events at South Carolina’s #1 birding destination! All programs are free with paid admission. The park admission fee is $5/adult, $3/youth ages 6-15, and free for ages 5 and under.
- 10am – 11am: Bird Walk
Take a guided walk along the causeway in search of wading birds, waterfowl, eagles, and more. This is a great introduction to birding for beginners. Meet at the causeway parking lot.
- Continuous from 10:30am – 12:30pm: Meet the Animals
Join a zookeeper from Brookgreen Gardens for this informal “meet and greet” of some of their charges, including owls and their prey. A variety of live animals will be on display. Meet at the picnic shelter across from the gift shop.
- 1pm – 2pm: Free-Flight Live Raptor Show
The “Can’t Miss” highlight of the day! Watch live raptors, vultures, and owls from the Center for Birds of Prey soar above the flying field as you learn about their unique hunting and flying techniques. You may wish to bring a folding chair or blanket to sit on. Meet in the field between Atalaya and the main parking lot. To ensure the safety of the animals used in this program, please understand that no pets can be allowed in this area.
- 2pm – 3pm: Owl Pellet Dissection
Explore the contents of a barn owl pellet during this fun, hands-on CSI-style activity! Relax- pellets are “coughed up”, not “pooped out”. We will then attempt to reconstruct the identity of their prey. Meet at the picnic shelter across from the gift shop.
- 3pm – 4pm: Children’s Nature Crafts
Craft your own pinecone owl to take home! Meet at the picnic shelter across from the gift shop.
- 8pm: Outdoor Movie: The Messenger
Enjoy this new documentary that explores the plight of our native songbird population, while sitting in the great outdoors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Meet on the beach side of Atalaya.
- 10am – 5pm: See a real active Bald Eagle nest through the spotting scope at the Nature Center! The eaglets should be getting ready to leave the nest soon!
See www.huntingtonbeachsp.com or call the park’s Nature Center at 843-235-8755 for more information.
Located along U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park offers to more than a million visitors a year one of the most pristine beaches on the Grand Strand. The 2,500-acre park’s freshwater lagoon, salt marsh and maritime forest also are outstanding examples of the state’s natural coastal environment.
