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News Release

Two Eggs Hatch in Norfolk Botanical Garden Bald Eagle Nest

Norfolk, VA (March 23, 2009) — After 39 days the 1st egg in the bald eagle nest at the Norfolk Botanical Garden hatched on Saturday, March 21.  The parents incubated the eggs through wide swings in temperature and the rain to keep all three eggs secure and warm.  One more egg remains to hatch. Stephen Living, Watchable Wildlife Biologist with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has observed the pip hole in the third egg, the beginning of the hatching process. The hole has expanded and a large crack is now visible as well. Living expects the egg to hatch today. Both adults are busy providing small bits of food for the two eaglets that hatched over the weekend.

Once hatched, the young are covered with fine white downy feathers and rely on their parents for all their needs, including food and warmth.  These young birds will grow rapidly and in 11-12 weeks (early to mid-June) will be ready to attempt their first flight as they prepare for life on their own.

The public can follow these young eaglets as they grow by watching the Eagle Cam, a joint project of VDGIF, the Norfolk Botanical Garden and WVEC.com.  This high quality web cam provides 24-hour coverage of the nest with a blog posted by DGIF wildlife biologists explaining what's happening.  The eagles can be visited in person (from a distance of course) by visiting the Norfolk Botanical Garden.

View the Eagle Cam at
www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

Learn what's happening at the DGIF Blog
www.dgif.virginia.gov/eaglecam/

Visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden
www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

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About Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF)
VDGIF is responsible for the management of inland fisheries, wildlife, and recreational boating for the Commonwealth of Virginia. They provide scientific knowledge about the eagles for the Garden staff and on the VDGIF blog. Wildlife Biologist Stephen Living updates his blog each week.

About Norfolk Botanical Garden
Norfolk Botanical Garden represents an oasis of over 30 theme gardens encompassing 155 beautiful acres.  From signature plant collections to WOW- World of Wonders: A Children's Adventure Garden, this diverse natural beauty can be explored by tram, boat or walking tours.

Norfolk Botanical Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums, is recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org.

About WVEC.com
WVEC.com is the ABC affiliate serving the Norfolk, Virginia area, including Virginia's Eastern Shore and northeastern North Carolina. They host the live video stream on their website www.wvec.com, making it possible for thousands of national and international bird watchers to have a rare look inside a Bald Eagles' nest.