Singer/songwriter Holly Lamar will be joining us for a special performance at the Oct. 15th celebration and dedication. She has written a song, inspired by our late beloved 'Mom Norfolk,' entitled 'Eagle!' She will be making it's LIVE debut here at the Garden and the single will be available for purchase! Proceeds to go to NBG and other wildlife organizations/charities. She is a friend and avid supporter of our eagles and we are so honored to have her join us Saturday! http://www.hollylamar.com/
Thanks to wildlife researcher Reese Lukei for sending photos of the new female eagle at the Norfolk Botanical Garden nest. Reese reports that the eagle came to the nest at 6:15 this morning, watched the sun rise, then flew off at 6:50. Both the male and female have been busy "remodeling" the nest, which is a great sign for the 2012 eagle nesting season at NBG.
I hate to point out the ultimate irony, but it seems like there is an incredibly large amount of people here who are anti bird of prey, yet many are also smitten by this mating pair. Is it because they aren't troubling your birds? Bald eagles may be primary fishers, but they are opportunists too, and would take a chicken if given the chance. So if this pair was in your backyard, would you feel the same way? I have a family member who runs a trout farm. The local pair of bald eagles and their brood eat about 5K a year of trout, and the DNR won't allow him to use netting over the ponds. Why? The bald eagles might become entangled since they couldn't see it before they dove. Compare 5K to a few pet chicken losses..
I am glad that there are federal laws protecting them though. They are a very necessary part of the eco system which we often unbalance through needless killing.
Don't know if you all heard. But NX is back at WCV. She was found about 10:46 last evening in the middle of the road. According to the wildlife centers page she has a fracture to her eye, some type of wing damage road rash. They were not able to do x-rays today. Her crop was full. They are hoping to do them tomorrow. They are guardinly optimistic right now. We should know more over the weekend. Keep her in your prayers.