"Buddy" Visits Norfolk Botanical Garden May 5, 2012
May 6, 2012Camellia Near Military Circle – Norfolk
May 6, 2012On March 22, 2008 a bald eagle egg was laid in the nest at Norfolk Botanical Garden, the fifth of the breeding season for the eagle pair. The first two eggs of their first clutch were abandoned as the result of both adults being driven off their nest by an intruding female transitional fifth year eagle. The NBG pair returned to lay two more eggs in a second clutch, but they were crushed on March 20 about midnight when the female was startled. Their third egg of the second clutch was laid two days later and successfully hatched April 27, 2008, and was growing normally until a growth was noticed on its upper mandible resulting in his removal from the nest on May 22, 2008 . He was then taken to the Wildlife Center of Virginia where it was determined that the growth was avian pox and his bill had been severely deformed by the growth.
Today “Buddy” as he is known, made a return visit to Norfolk Botanical Garden during the Bald Eagle Festival almost 4 years after being removed from his nest. “Buddy” is being trained at the Wildlife Center of Virginia to be a wildlife ambassador. His return to Norfolk Botanical Garden was truly a triumph in many ways. Here are a few of my photos of his return. Photos copyright by Reese F Lukei Jr.
21 Comments
Wonderful pictures Reese. Thank you for all you do and for being there for us
Thanks – He sure will be a great addition to the education department at Wildlife Center of Virginia>
Buddy is a beauty! And so is Darcie! Well I guess the NBG male has chased the young females in the past too! He has sure made a history for himself. Thanks for these beautiful photos Reese!
Awesome! Thank you, Reese. I am impressed with all you do, and also NBG and WCV. So nice that Buddy got to come “home” like his brothers & sisters.
Thank you Reese for these incredible pictures! Buddy is a beauty that is for sure. Taking this moment to say a hugd THANK YOU!!!for all you do for eagles, wildlife and for us earthwalkers. blig
Thanks so much for sharing these pictures. He’s turning into a beautiful bird! Great ambassador also! Thanks again, Reese for sharing these.
Thanks Reese for the beautiful pictures of our Buddy. Yesterday was an experience to remember, the gorgeous Garden, the organizers, the public, the educational ambassadors, the kindness of Perry with the cam, our precious Mod Shoebutton etc, etc. Thank you always for your links, photos and commentary on the blog.
Oh Reese and all from CCB What a very special day yesterday had to have been for you. Buddy back in the Gardens. To see him flourishing I can only imagine Reese the shear pride and joy you must feel. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures
Fantastic pictures of Buddy Reese! Thanks for sharing with us, it was an festive day. I loved your presentation, your ‘family photos’ are terrific!
Those pictures made me weep with pride. Proud of all of you at NBG for all you do and proud of Buddy. He’s a beauty!!!
Thanks Reese – your photos are awesome! What a homecoming for Buddy!
I’m so thankful I could be there for the first annual Eagle fest….it was a very special weekend for so many reasons but it was an especially moving moment to witness “Buddy”s public debut. Thanks Reese.
Thank you so much for the fantastic pictures of our “boy”, Buddy during his debut. I was at a weekend commitment far from Norfolk and was so pleased to see these photos when I got home. I was so happy, I cried. I will be there next year, altho I have to travel cross-country for the privilege.
His eyes are still so dark….just saying.
Response – Yes, still very brown instead of yellow. Just goes to show how each bird can be different.
The pics are great, especially the closeup of Buddy! Thanks for sharing Reese. One can truly see the joy on your face when you talk about the eagles…your talk at the symposium was very informative for those who have not followed the nest from the beginning! A triumphant weekend for sure 🙂 A big THANK YOU for all you do, Reese!
Fantastic pictures Reese! Buddy was on his best behavior for his public debut! What a joy to see him again and this time, not in a cage, but on a glove as an ambassador! I’m so happy to see how well he took to it. And you could see the comfort level between him and Darcie. It was amazing to see him spread his wings so Darcie could spritz him to cool him off. At one point, she was petting his feet! I had a chance to speak with Darci during the festival and she is such a nice person. You can tell how fond and proud she is of Buddy. She has done a phenominal job with our boy and I thank her for that!
Reese, I forgot to ask. Do you think that Buddy knew he was home? Do you think that he recognizes his natal territory as being NBG or WCV? He was so young when he was removed from the nest. Just 3 1/2 weeks… Thanks!
Response – Chris I doubt it. There was just too much going on and Buddy never actually went to the nest area. Home for him is WCV.
Mr. Lukei, thank you so much for beautiful pictures you share with us. Buddy is indeed the handsome eagle. He will be more comfortable with the people in the future. He knows he is loved by all of us.
Thank you Mr. Lukei for the wonderful and beautiful pictures of Buddy. He is indeed so handsome. He will do great in the future events, no doubt. He knows that he is loved by all of us, human.
The pictures are great
You people are right up there with GOD where my
respect and love are concerned. Bless you and everyone involved with rehabbing Buddy and alllll the rest of the critters. You are so talented and dedicated. L