Norfolk Eagles in their new nest

[Donna]

Dad just came with a fish and is trying to feed them. One eaglet here looks like he is hugging dad. 
I get too emotional.

[jeanne]

Fly free, sweet mamma bird.  This is so sad

[Kris G.]

I'm heartbroken.  Fly free, Momma.   

[Dumpsterkitty]

They've started a candle page for Mom eagle...

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=eagle

if you'd like to participate...

[Kris G.]

They've started a candle page for Mom eagle...

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=eagle

if you'd like to participate...

Thanks, Ei.  I did.

[jeanne]

Thanks, Ei, I just lit a candle as well

[glothom]

This is so sad. I also lit a candle.

[Donna]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPiaxuiAtRw#ws

A tribute to momma Eagle! 

This song makes me cry on the commercial!

[Annette]

That is a very sad thing.  Poor Eagle mom and poor eglets!

[huddiecat]

Oh, that is so sad!!  I don't understand how that could happen!  At least they are monitoring the nest to see if dad can keep up with the task...and poor dad losing his mate!  The bald eagle pairs are so sweet together, it's just heart breaking to hear of this!
Suzanne

[Donna]

   
Norfolk Botanical Garden:
This morning the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will be removing the 3 eaglets and send them to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

   
WVEC:
DGIF biologists have decided that it is in the best interest of the eaglets to remove them from the nest and relocate them to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. The removal operation will take place at 10 a.m.


Norfolk Botanical Garden:
DGIF has the legal responsibility for the welfare of these eaglets and has made the decision to remove them, deeming this is in the best interest of the eaglets.

Norfolk Botanical Garden:
One option discussed was to leave them and see if the father could continue to raise them alone. It is possible he could, but it is also very possible he could not continue to provide enough food as they grow and need a higher calorie count. There was a concern it would reach a point of no return and it would be difficult to remove the eaglets. It would present the problem of being too late to remove them for their survival. There is a reason it takes two parents to raise the eaglets.


  Buddy in training!

[Shaky]

I'm surprised that they didn't go the route of providing extra food for the male so he could spend less time hunting and more time feeding the eaglets.

[Dumpsterkitty]

I think the biggest factor is how close they are to wingerciszing with lift...if the male can't pull it off there would be too much of a risk they would be injured trying to fly away if a rescue was attempted any later than now.

[Donna]

Happening now.

[Donna]

All done, success!