Our mission is to conserve native wild birds and to educate and involve the public in ecosystem stewardship through educational outreach, wild bird rehabilitation, restoration, and research projects.
Three Rivers Avian Center (TRAC) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization focused on wild bird conservation, ecosystem education, and community involvement. Established in 1990, TRAC features a 110-acre facility situated in the scenic New River Gorge area of southern West Virginia, between Sandstone and Hinton in Summers County. Bordered partially by the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, TRAC’s location provides an ideal setting for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and connecting with nature. We offer programs and resources on wild bird preservation, habitat restoration, and environmental stewardship for all ages. Visit our avian conservation center in West Virginia today.
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The great horned owlett from Kanawha county had it's first day out of the "baby cage" in Hoolie's (our great horned owl Ambassador) Mews! The youngster took its first steps outside the cage's open door and started exploring. We are so glad to be clacked at, the space it was in at the moment wouldn't allow for a full threat display but it gave us one a few moments after we turned off the video (natch!) Hoolie is ignoring the youngster, which is fine as long as the youngster sees her all the time, which is what is happening. For those who dont know, Hoolie is a 19 year old human imprinted great horned owl that was confiscated from people trying to keep her as a pet. She was 5 weeks old at the time, we've had her ever since. This owlett's nest tree was felled, it ended up being the sole chick to survive. The parents abandoned the area. We are excited for the owlett's progress!
UPDATE on Clay the Bald Eagle: his level of lead in his blood continues to drop. We don't know if this bird is a male or female, and we are not testing to find out so we can use the $$ to afford the next round of chelation therapy. Yesterday's test reported a lead level from 15.4 micrograms per deciliter, down from the last test 2 weeks ago. Some of you may remember this eagle came in with a lead level of 49.9 micrograms per deciliter at intake, a test on March 24th showed a level of 21.1. Very encouraging, but in the meantime this eagle has dropped 10 ounces, and is getting finicky about food. Hydrotherapy and laser therapy on the fracture sites continue.
We put our hummingbird feeders up this past week! Now is the time. Remember: 1) the ratio is 1/4 cup of white sugar (no substitutes!!) to 1 cup of warm water (not chlorinated treated water); 2) never put dye in your nectar; 3) don't waste your money on pre-made, packaged hummer feeder nectar. Its full of stuff they don't need, it's more expensive that what you can make , and most importantly, nectar in a feeder is an additional resource for hummingbirds. Most of their food is tiny bugs found in spider webs, flowers, flowering trees and other areas supplemented by nectar from those flowers. Your feeder helps, but it is like running an icecream shop in Summertime. Very welcome, certainly enjoyable for all, but not essential. Here's the latest map of the migration, it looks like Mingo county may have the 1st hummer of 2026! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18D7ZPdLR6/
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Many Thanks To Our Sponsors!
Donations keep Three Rivers Avian Center thriving so we can continue our mission to conserve West Virginia's avian wildlife populations. They are fully tax-deductible and can be made in your or your loved one's name, your group's, or your company's. All sponsors are listed on the website below and in our monthly newsletter. TRAC accepts credit and debit card donations, as well as automatic monthly donations, via PayPal.
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Together, we can keep wild birds flying free.
