Dozens rally to save Norfolk eagle nest

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A group of eagle lovers flocked to the Norfolk Botanical Garden Saturday in another attempt to save the bird's nest.

Dozens marched quietly through the garden with supportive signs and shirts in an attempt to get city officials to wait at least one year and research other options. The city has applied for a permit from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to allow for nest removal.

The Federal Aviation Administration requested the council address safety concerns with nearby Norfolk International Airport. Two eagles who nested at the Norfolk Botanical Garden were struck and killed by planes last year, according to the USDA's Wildlife Damage Management department.

Norfolk City Councilman Thomas Smigiel attended Saturday's rally. He said the nest was a big draw for the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and the garden stands to lose money if city leaders refuse to step back and look at the bigger picture.

"Almost 500 bird strikes at Norfolk airport, and only two of them were eagles,"  said Smigiel . "There are other things that could help solve all bird strikes that are happening over here, and they're not even considering this."

Smigiel says the other council members do not seem concerned by citizen complaints about the nest removal. 

If the federal government approves the permit application, the nest would probably be moved this fall.