Here are three of my photos of the wonderful ceremony and dedication yesterday at Norfolk Botanical Garden of the David Turner life size American Bald Eagle bronze sculpture dedicated in rememberance of the NBG female who lost her life on April 26, 2011. The sculpture entitled “Spilling The Wind” has been placed in a new plaza designed just for that purpose. Remarkably, while composer and performer Holly Lamar was introducing her song “Eagle” written just for this event, both the male and his new lady circled high above us. Photos copyright Reese F Lukei Jr
20 Comments
Got to check out the 3 pictures of Eagle tribute. Beautiful. Missed the dedication but glad to see the pics. Looking forward to the new season.
It was truly wonderful that Dad and new mate came over at just that moment! Thanks for these great pics of the amazing memorial of Mom. …And yet another one of those days to remember! Thanks for your presence and your words, Reese.
Absolutely awesome!!! Tears to the eyes for our Mama!
I was really surprised how large when I heard you described the statue as life size. It’s just magnificent and I’m enjoying the photos everyone has shared of yesterday’s event since I had to cancel. It looks like it was an absolutely perfect day 🙂
CanNOT wait to see it in person. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this post.
Coincidence that Dad and his new friend flew over at exactly that time…..I don’t think so….it was a sign….I’m just saying….
Loved your words at the dedication Reese. You certainly have seen a lot over your years of eagle watching–especially up close and personal with this pair. The flyover–especially Dad’s solo–was magical!
Response – Thank you. I think I was the most surprised that both eagles did their flyover.
Someday I hope to make it out to the NBG and see the memorial in person. Tears of sadness in April and tears of happiness today. Thank you.
Loved your speech at the dedication yesterday, and it was so nice to finally get to meet you…. Dads flyover was just fantastic!
The new sculpture is so very beautiful. I couldn’t be at the dedication, but did make it to the Gardens on Sunday. I took pictures and cried. The Eagle Plaza is a beautiful place to sit and admire the statue. Many thanks to everyone who was involved with this project. It is a magnificent tribute to our Mom Eagle.
Thank you Reese. Isn’t She just breath-taking. I miss our Mom but this will make sure she is never forgotten and future generations get to know her and her Legacy. I miss you Mom 🙁
Dixie
Can’t get too much of the Eagles. Just this last Saturday saw a male Bald take a fish from an Osprey on the Staunton River. It is a new nesting pair that we watch there. Still get teary eyed thinking of our Mom eagle that we watched so long at NBG. Thank You all so much for the work that You do.
Oh, she’s beautiful! So hope to get to see her in person some day. News of the flyover brought me to tears…am not a great believer in coincidence. Thank you, Reese.
Lady Legacy’s timeless beauty and soaring-action is captured perfectly in this fabulous sculpture. Tears of joy and especially when PaPa Norolk and his neew lady flew overhead as if in a blessing that life, like her memory, will live on…in our hearts for sure! Thanks Reese!
Thank you, Reese, for posting this, and for your marvelous comments on Saturday. So, how did you train the two of them to make that fly-over, anyway?? I was not aware that I was seeing both of them– what a treat. I just love your photo of all the veteran mods and eagle watchers craning their necks for a view of the sky…
I have not been able to find a video of anyone’s speeches, especially Reese’s. Would love to hear
Response – I believe that NBG will have on their web site soon – http://www.nbgs.org
It was a beautiful dedication day. The sky couldn’t have been better against which to see the soaring pair. It was magnificent. I disagreed with your comment that he was a little early. I think he felt all the energy and love from the crowd and wanted to make a grand appearance. The timing was priceless.
Your photos in the nest are very comforting that life goes on in the way that it should. Thanks so much.
Response – Re: too early needs explanation. I had told some NBG staff that the eagles would do a flyover at 3:30. They arrived at 3:28, two minutes early.
Thank you for the beautiful photos. my husband and I were there on Saturday. It was the perfect day for the dedication, including the fly overs by Dad and his new lady. We didn’t stay long as my arthris was getting the better of me. Hope to be back in the spring.
here is a link to videos of the dedication:
http://norfolkeagles.com/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=5766
The dedication was absolutely amazing. I’m so glad I made the trip. I loved your comments and it was a pleasure to finally meet you. I didn’t realize we saw both eagles flying overhead. I thought it was just one. That made the day for me!