SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Thursday, October 4, 2012

The deed is done

NORFOLK-- The eagle nests at Norfolk Botanical Garden were removed Thursday morning. Federal, state and local wildlife officials said one complete nest and a partial nest had to be taken down because of the danger to wildlife and aircraft coming and going from nearby Norfolk International Airport.

The FAA cited concerns about four bald eagles being struck by aircraft in the last 10 years. The USDA identified bald eagles as "an extremely high" hazard risk to aircraft. The city applied for state and federal permits to remove the nests before nesting season begins in the next few months. The permits came in this week. A post on the City of Norfolk Facebook page said "While we all have enjoyed the eagle’s at Norfolk Botanical Garden, encouraging them to find a new home ultimately ensures the safety of the public, property and the eagles." The removal didn't take long - perhaps 5 minutes - because the nests weren't as intricately-built as they expected. The branches were put into a chipper and ground up. City officials said Norfolk Botanical Garden, Norfolk International Airport and the city agreed to support the recommendation of the USDA Wildlife Services to remove the nests following months of discussion and study of the USDA’s Wildlife Hazard Assessment and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries reports on the status and population of eagles in Virginia.