we have liftoff!

the 3 eagle chicks at wildlife center of virginia that were rescued after their mother was killed near the nest at norfolk botanical gardens are starting to fledge.  two have flown from the nest onto a nearby fake branch within their enclosure.  the 3 chicks, a misleading description since they each weigh about 10 pounds, won't be leaving the enclosure for the last time until august but they will soon get some additional room to strengthen their wings and polish their flying technique.  it's been educational and fun to watch them grow; sometimes they act just like human toddlers!  i'll miss them when they are released, but it's what they were born to do.  a calendar will be issued later this year with photos of the parent eagles, a tribute to the mother, dubbed "lady legacy," and of the chicks, proceeds of which benefit the wildlife center.  the president of WCV calls the chicks the center's rock stars due to the unprecedented worldwide interest prompting 24-hour online streaming for all their fans.  if you want to check them out before they are gone, it's www.wcev.com, the local TV station with a link directly to the eaglecam.  one caveat:  sometimes there are dead rats or fish in the nest!