Azalea has returned to very familiar territory. During the 2009 and 2010 fall seasons Azalea spent a lot of time in Lancaster and Northumberland Counties. That is where she is again – for this satellite map period – Sept 12, 13, 14 and thru 7pm Sept 15. She was southeast of Kilmarnack all day Sept 12 and 13, and flew north about noon Sept 14 when she flew to near Ophelia in Northumberland. The 2011 bald eagle from Norfolk Botanical Garden banded NX by The Center for Conservation Biology and fitted with a satellite transmitter by VA DGIF was also near Ophelia on Sept 14 according to the Wildlife Center of Virginia website www.wildlifecenter.org. As of this satellite map, Azalea is a few miles west of Burgess, VA at 7:00pm Sept 15 – white arrow. Click maps to enlarge.
12 Comments
Thanks so much for this bit of info Dr. Lukei. Would have never put that information together myself.
Azalea’s going to escort NX to the catfish farm.
This is incredible news that NX has (found) Azalea.
I am very pleased NX, who I call Nixy, is in the same area as Azalea. What year was Azalea hatched? I have a blog on Nixy and another on the 2011 NBG nest, story of female’s death. Its unlikely the siblings would know each other. I wonder if NV and NZ are in this area too.
Response – Azalea born in 2009
Welcome back Reese. So happy to see Azalea & NX in such close proximity (as the eagle flies) These two girls appear to be of one mind. Late bloomers who like to find easy pickings of fish. Do hope Camellia will be wary of all that urban traffic. Thanks for the exciting update.
Not scientific at all, but I find it so nice that Camellia and NX are in the same area. And so good to have you back, Mr. Lukei.
Oops, in my previous comment, I should have said Azalea and NX!
Thanks much Reese. Welcome back! I sure hope they both hang out for a bit, or even move a little further west on the northern neck.
Maybe they are waiting on Camellia to show them how to get to King George County.
Those two know how to find easy pickin’s — so many beautiful areas in my Northern Neck and they are in some great hunting grounds with many other juvies. How special that the two sisters are in the same area and maybe even NX is learning from Azalea. Birds of a feather stick together you know!! When they get to the Omega fish company neither will ever want to leave here. Will go take a look this afternoon—- maybe with a little luck one is stickin’ around today. Love those two girls. Thanks Reece.. Great job.
Reese, I am so glad you are back. We have all missed you and all of your eagle updates and information.
Hi Reese, i sent a email on the 13th, but got no response, I guess you were still gone.
Here are some of my questions: Do eagles travel together? Would NX be following more experienced eagles to the fishing grounds? Do Eagles communicate about food, etc, in some way?
Thanks for all you are doing!
Jewel – Eagles seem to travel alone, however, they are attracted by other eagles actions so are often seen together. Eagles are also attracted to the nest sites of other eagles. We have seen this with Azalea and Camellia, as well as with other eagles. With their excellent eye sight, they can see other eagles flying at great distance, and often fly to their location. Good fishing sites often have many eagles present and are known as concentration areas.
How come we are getting readings from Azalea but not NX if they are in the same area? Just worried!
Rosemary – The technology being used by the transmitter on Azalea is based on satellite data. The transmitter emits an hourly signal that is collected by a French weather satellite circling the earth. That data is available every three to ten days which I use to make the maps and report on this web site. The technology being used by the transmitter that NX is wearing is based on cell phone data. If NX is out of range of a cell tower then the signal emited by the transmitter can not be picked up. That is what I understand may be the situation.