Camellia Returns to NBG
Azalea at Gloucester County Landfill Nov 15
November 15, 2011Azalea – How Do You Spell "Landfill"?
November 22, 2011Camellia is back at Norfolk Botanical Garden!!!. After spending a few weeks away from home, Camellia has returned to familiar grounds. The last satellite map showed him near Waverly, VA (YELLOW arrow at 7:00pm Nov 14). He stayed in that area until the morning of Nov 19 and returned to Norfolk (PURPLE pointer at Noon on Nov 19), then right back to Norfolk Botanical Garden. He roamed over to Lake Taylor on Nov 19 and 20 during the day, but spent all day Nov 21 on Lake Whitehurst and at NBG. At 1:00am Nov 20 Camellia was accross Airport Rd from the Norfolk Airport freight terminal (GREEN pointer). At 1:00am Nov 21 Camellia was near Friendship Pond in the Camellia Garden at NBG (PINK pointer). As of this satellite map at 7:00pm Nov 21 Camellia is between Mirror Lake and the administrative building at NBG – WHITE arrow. Click maps to enlarge.
6 Comments
He came home to spend Thanksgiving with Dad and also to give his blessing to Dad’s new bride! I think it is amazing how they come back to their natal area so often. Makes you wonder how many others have come back that do not have the transmitter. Thanks for the update Reese.
Thank you Reese!! Worrying about airports & landfills, however. It really is amazing to see “our” babies return home. Happy Thanksgiving!
This is so neet! He must be getting to know his new step mom! Hope the adults leave him some good leftovers!
Thanks!
Weird Question Reese:
Were NZ, NX, NV at the nest long enough to develop a “homing” instinct of where they were hatched???
Response – That “homing instinct” is known as “imprinting” and begins right after birth, so yes they do know where their natal territory is located.
Reese, Thanks for the updates! While it is exciting that Camellia is “home”, I wish he would stay away from the airport. Do you have any idea about the number of Bald Eagles struck by planes?
I live on the Eastern Elizabeth, and now that the leaves have fallen, I’m seeing lots of juvies and an occasional adult.
Response – I know of two eagles struck by airplanes at Norfolk Airport, one in December 2002 and one in April 2011. Another possible eagle strike was never confirmed.
Thanks Reese! I just love Camellia is around again. I’m sure i saw him that early eve near the nest before i left after the dedication, that first day he was shown to be there on the 22nd of oct i think! Thinking of you and wishing you well! Id be happy to man the banding station at the tip of Virginia anytime for you! xo
Response – Hi Holly – We need you back to show folks where to look to see Camellia. No confirmed sightings since his return to NBG.