Sometimes a wild animal cannot remain in the wild. Whether it is the result of an injury, sickness, or a chick left without a parent, human intervention becomes necessary. Three Rivers Avian Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wild birds and raptors.

Since 1990, Three Rivers Avian Center, located in the southern portion of the New River Gorge National River, has worked towards the conservation of wild birds and ecosystem stewardship. Sometimes a wild bird finds itself in dire straits, and this organization helps these animals who might otherwise perish.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
The Avian Center's primary duties are veterinary and rehabilitative care, research and conservation, species restoration and environmental education.
The Avian Center cares for birds of all kinds, such as bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons and kestrels.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
Many of these species can be funded by anybody through the Three Rivers website. Their donations help pay for the upkeep of these animals who are either being nursed back to health for their re-release in the wild, or must remain under human care.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
One such animal is Regis, the center's bald eagle. Other animals in need of funding include several owls, hawks and an American kestrel.
Another important project the center has worked on is the Peregrine Restoration Project.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on the planet. They can reach speeds of up to 260 miles per hour while diving for prey. The project involved repopulating the species in West Virginia by releasing them into the New River Gorge. Between 2006 and 2011, 120 human-raised peregrines were released into the wild.

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To see these amazing creatures for yourself, Three Rivers gives regular presentations at state parks across West Virginia. They are presented by Wendy and Ron Perrone, the center's executive director and education director, respectively.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
Their regular show, "Wings of Wonder: WV Birds of Prey" is presented every year. A complete schedule of shows can be found on the organization's website. See the link below. All the shows are free, open to the public and great for the whole family, especially the kids.
The purpose of the show is to educate people on these birds and what the organization does to help them throughout the year. The star of the show is Regis, the bald eagle, and several hawks, falcons and owls.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
The Avian Center is affiliated with the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, the International Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, the National Association of Interpretation, and the Visit West Virginia's Convention & Visitor's Bureau. They have also won several awards.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
So, if you really want to see wild birds and raptors such as these up close, Three Rivers may give you your only opportunity.
Facebook/Three Rivers Avian Center
The Avian Center is located at 2583 Brooks Mountain Rd. in Hinton.

To learn more about the Three Rivers Avian Center, visit their website here, and their Facebook page here.

Have you been to a Birds of Prey presentation by Three Rivers? Feel free to comment below and tell us about the experience.

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