Botanical garden eagle lays second egg

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The second eagle egg of the nesting season was laid Wednesday at 11:48 a.m. at Norfolk Botanical Garden. The first egg was laid Sunday, January 31, atop a snow-filled nest.

Eagles will often delay incubation until all of the eggs are laid. This helps ensure that the young hatch more closely together--keeping the youngest hatchlings from being too disadvantaged.

Bald eagle eggs usually hatch about 35 days after being laid, but the eagles at the Botanical Garden -- who have been there for seven years -- typically incubate for 37. They have successfully raised 12 eaglets.

Eagle eggs must be kept at a consistent temperature of 105 degrees Farenheit to remain viable.