A pair of American Bald Eagles built a nest in the Garden in 2003. Viewers around the world have watched as this family has raised 19 eaglets in the years since through our "Eagle Cam."
Eagle statement
2/2/2012
Norfolk Botanical Garden is extremely fortunate and proud to be the nesting grounds for wild eagles. The eagles have advanced our mission and taught millions the importance of environmental education while developing a loyal and caring worldwide audience of eagle watchers. This would not have been possible without the strong partnership with WVEC, VDGIF, and with special assistance from the CCB and our caring viewers.
Without a doubt, everyone loves the NBG eagles and cares deeply about their safety and well-being. As you are aware, there are current discussions among several agencies regarding the nest at NBG. Concern has been expressed by these agencies about the proximity of the nesting eagles to the Norfolk International Airport and the danger that it could present to the flying public.
Norfolk Botanical Garden is neither legally nor professionally in a position to take any action that would affect the bald eagles that are nesting at the Garden. We are an educational and horticultural institution that displays beautiful landscapes, maintains plant collections and provides environmental information.
If and when there is any action to be taken in regard to eagles at the Garden or in the region, it will be added to the Airport’s existing Wildlife Hazard Management Plan. This plan has been in place for a number of years, as it is at all airports, and addresses animals that present a hazard to airline safety. These plans are created by wildlife experts and enforced by the appropriate government agencies.
We recognize that the viewing public is strongly invested in these eagles and understand and share in your frustration with the unknown. But it is just that, unknown.
As the eagle component of the Wildlife Hazard Management Plan is developed, NBG will provide further information as soon it becomes available.
As I am sure you will agree, public safety and the safety of the eagles is paramount. It is the responsibility of the professionals and experts involved, or others they may deem appropriate, to develop a plan that effectively addresses and provides sound solutions to this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about what you are seeing? Here are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions. Learn more ...
Eagle Festival!
Saturday, May 5, 2012, Norfolk Botanical Garden will host an inaugural Eagle Festival from 10am-4pm! The day will include lectures, demonstrations, eagle vendors, food, music and fun! Make plans to join us, Eagle Nation. Learn more
History of the Norfolk Botanical Garden nest
The eagles built their first nest at Norfolk Botanical Garden in the fall of 2003. Nineteen eaglets have hatched and fifteen have fledged from the nest since then. Learn more...
Get the latest news about the eagles
Watch videos of earlier action at the nest
New Camera installation
In November, three new cameras were installed near the nest thanks to a generous donation from David McDonald. Two cameras focus on the nest while one camera provides images of the beautiful area surrounding the nest, including some perches that the eagles use while not on the nest. At right is an example from one of the cameras.
Eagle Blog
Keep up to date with the events in the nest by reading a blog on the eagles by the Center for Conservation Biology at William & Mary. Learn more ...
See who else is watching the cam!
Eagle watching draws viewers from around the world. Want to see who else is fascinated by the cam? Learn more...
Eaglets Make Learning Fun!
Let's face it, learning about wildlife is a quite a bit easier when you can watch it...live. Want to see if your school is among those who can't stop watching the Eagle Cam? Learn more...
- Download "Flying High With The Fledglings (.pdf)" - a special teacher's resource
- What are students saying? See for yourself
Eagle Memorabilia
The Gift Shop has many eagle related items available for purchse. Stop in for a visit or order select items by phone.
See items available for sale by phone
Talk With Other Watchers
Follow the eagles on their own facebook page
Thank you to all who voted for us in the Chase Community Giving contest. We won $25,000 in Round 1 and $100,000 in Round 2. We couldn't have done it without your support. Learn more.
Norfolk Botanical Garden Eagles Forum - A forum about our eagles set up by dedicated watchers
Other forums with threads about the NBG eagles:
Maine Bald Eagle Cam Discussion
Hancock Wildlife Foundation
Our Partner:
 |
Additional Support Provided by:
 |
 |
