Eagle family spotted at Airlie Gardens

WILMIGNTON, NC (WWAY) — Many different kinds of birds have been spotted at Airlie Gardens over the years, including two adult bald eagles.  

Well, now, “baby makes three.” 

It has not been confirmed if the eagles spotted in the nest now are the same from two years ago.  

We went to Airlie Gardens Monday to check out the eagles. 

We didn’t quite spot the eaglet Monday, but we did see one of the adult eagles in the nest.  

However, Jodi Rich, guest services manager at Airlie Gardens has spotted the baby bird. 

America’s bird has been spotted nesting at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington.  

Guest services manager, Jodi Rich says two adult bald eagles have been hanging around the gardens for two years, but recently birders have noticed a change. 

“They discovered the nest, and they sit here and watch to see what happens. They kinda had the idea that there may be eggs in the nest and one day they spotted a little baby,” Rich explained.  

Rich is enjoying checking in on the once endangered birds at least every other day, if not more.  

“Our staff have been really excited. We are always excited to share nature with our community, so it’s been really exciting. I had never seen a bald eagle in the wild so that was really neat,” Rich exclaimed. 

The bald eagles’ nest is high up in a tree near the water which is an ideal habitat for them.  

Although some construction underway nearby hasn’t seemed to bother the eagle family, rich says it’s best for people to keep their distance. 

“It’s good not to make any sudden noises because you don’t want to disrupt what they are doing. Sometimes they are hunting, sometimes they are feeding the baby, and you don’t want to disrupt them, so they stop doing those things,” Rich said. 

“There’s usually at least one of the adults in the nest all the time but I would definitely bring some binoculars if you have them. And patience, the birders tell us that, that’s the biggest thing is patience. Because you may sit here for a while and not see anything. Then you may see the baby pop up and the parents are feeding it, so,” Rich shared. 

If you want to try and spot the eagle family, Airlie Gardens is currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening.  

Don’t forget the binoculars!