AIKEN --- The guests of honor at the Aug. 9 Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary fundraiser were unaware of the attention they were getting.

About 100 people got a glimpse of wood storks feeding at the Kathwood Wood Stork Foraging Ponds during the fifth annual Storks and Corks fundraiser.

"The wood stork has been on the endangered species list since February 1984," said Dan Connelly, site manager.

The storks have very specific nesting and feeding requirements. Although their nests are probably about 35 miles west of the ponds, they fly to the center to eat.

Tactile feeders, the storks don't need to see their prey. As they stand with their beaks in low water, they move their heads from side to side, snapping up whatever is beneath the surface.

The ponds are stocked with bluegill, which are between 3 and 5 inches long, the perfect size for the storks, according to Mr. Connelly.

Paul Koehler, the center's director, said the organization needs functions such as the Storks and Corks fundraiser to generate money to support its educational programs.

"We see about 2,000 kids each year," he said.

Schoolchildren learn about a variety of topics, including wildlife, soil conservation and water ecology, at the 3,154-acre site that borders the Savannah River near Jackson.

Depending on the time of year, many species of birds and other wildlife can be found at the foraging ponds. Bald eagles, great blue heron, wood ducks, alligators, otters, beavers, muskrats, bobcats and foxes have all been spotted in the area.

For those who didn't make it to the fundraiser, there will be an opportunity today to see the wood storks during feeding time. The Augusta-Aiken Audubon Society will take a field trip there at 7 p.m. The event is free.