There’s an empty nest this morning at Norfolk Botanical Garden! The youngest American Bald Eagle took his first flight over the weekend. The nine pound baby bird was the third to make his way out on a limb and out into the world. Two older eaglets made their first flights late last week.
Reese Lukei, a Research Associate at the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary has been keeping a close eye on the eagles. Lukei says the three flew right on schedule, at about 11 weeks old. The baby birds each have a wingspan of about six feet right now, but still have some growing to do. For a few more weeks they’ll come back to their nest to eat, then will wander off for good and be on their own.
For now, the birds can be seen in and around their nest about 90 feet high in a loblolly pine tree overlooking the Matson Garden and Renaissance Court. There are several ways to get an up close look at the eagles. Thanks to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, there’s a new viewing scope between NATO Tower and the Tropical Garden. The scope offers 20 times magnification and is close to the ground, making it kid-friendly and easily accessible for wheelchair users. Because the birds are protected by federal law, without a viewing scope, the closest visitors can get during nesting season is on the Garden’s waterways. Boat tours run every hour, and special talks and tours are scheduled daily. Check at Baker Hall Visitor Center for times. While you’re there, check out the two computer monitors. They’re broadcasting live images from the Eagle Cam, which is trained on the nest from above. Still images and more information can be found on our Web site, www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org.
This is the third year the adult eagles have made their home at Norfolk Botanical Garden. We hope they’ll come back to our big backyard next nesting season – but they’re not gone yet. Bring your family out to see theirs while they’re still circling around our skies!
The mission of Norfolk Botanical Garden is to enrich life by promoting the enjoyment of plants and the environment through beautiful gardens and educational programs.
Norfolk Botanical Garden is managed by the Norfolk Botanical Garden Society in cooperation with the City of Norfolk.
www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
