Three Rivers Avian Center Opens Its Doors to Public as Migratory Bird Crisis Deepens
HINTON, W.Va. — The Three Rivers Avian Center in Hinton, West Virginia, has launched public tours for the first time, giving Americans an up-close look at native wildlife amid alarming nationwide declines in migratory bird populations.
The 100-acre nonprofit sanctuary is home to numerous native species, including owls, crows, and majestic bald eagles. Center executive director Wendy Perrone emphasized the urgent need for awareness as the United States faces a catastrophic drop in bird numbers.
“In the last twenty years, we’ve lost 52% of the migratory birds that used to fill our skies and so it’s really bad situation right now,” said Perrone.
The avian center operates as both an educational institution and a rehabilitation facility, nursing injured birds back to health while teaching visitors about the critical role birds play in the environment. Visitors can meet thirteen “ambassador” birds, including favorites like Gimli and Hoolie, that highlight the center’s conservation efforts.
Founded in 1990, the center is embarking on new open house and tour events in 2026 to sustain its operations through private donations and grants. Proceeds support vital veterinary care and feedings for the birds, ensuring the health of birds in captivity and the survival of wildlife in West Virginia’s forests.
“People can come in and see the facility here at Three Rivers Avian Center and meet our thirteen ambassadors and get to know them a little bit,” Perrone said, inviting families and enthusiasts to get involved in regional conservation efforts.
Experts warn that the massive loss of migratory birds impacts ecosystems and economies nationwide. The Three Rivers Avian Center’s community outreach seeks to empower everyday Americans with simple actions to protect bird habitats and reduce risks such as window collisions, pollution, and habitat loss.
The opening of this sanctuary for public tours is a timely wake-up call. As the migratory bird population slumps by more than half, the avian center’s efforts to save native species could not be more critical to preserving America’s natural heritage.
What’s Next for Bird Conservation?
The center plans to hold multiple events throughout the summer, aiming to engage more people in conservation and rehabilitation projects. By connecting the public directly with West Virginia’s wildlife, the Three Rivers Avian Center hopes to inspire action and reverse the downward trend in bird populations.
For Americans eager to support or learn more, visiting the center offers a rare and urgent opportunity to understand the vulnerable state of migratory birds and what can be done to protect them.
Contact and visit information is available through the Three Rivers Avian Center’s official channels as tours continue through the season. This initiative represents a vital frontline effort in facing a nationwide environmental emergency.
