Doctor to check Norfolk Botanical Garden's baby eagle today

The lone eaglet in the nest at Norfolk Botanical Garden has an appointment with the doctor today, and viewers of the popular "Eagle Cam" will be able to watch as it is retrieved from the nest.

A few days ago, observers spotted what appeared to be a growth on the eaglet's bill. As a result, a wildlife veterinarian from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries wants to take a closer look to determine the type of growth.

A local tree climber from Nuckols Tree Care Service will retrieve the month-old eaglet from the nest this morning, Amy Dagnall, a Garden spokeswoman, said Wednesday.

Folks who want to watch via the Eagle Cam should be online starting at 9 a.m.

A Garden representative will narrate an online chat forum, hosted by WVEC.com, during the retrieval, relaying information from biologists as they observe the activitie in the nest.

The growth was first noted last week by a local photographer, Jim Deal, and by a researcher from the College of William & Mary Center for Conservation Biology.

"The growth, located on the left side of the eagle's upper mandible, has grown quickly and is now quite visible," said Stephen Living, 37, a wildlife biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. It may indicate the presence of Avian Pox, he said, although this cannot be confirmed without examination and further diagnostics, such as a biopsy.

The Eagle Cam will not show the actual biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the affected tissue.

Avian Pox is a viral disease that is contracted by any number of birds. It poses no threat to humans.

The disease is generally spread through mosquitoes but may be spread from bird to bird, especially by birds in very close contact. Treatment generally consists of supportive therapy, if needed.

"At this point, the eaglet seems otherwise healthy, feeding and appearing alert," Living said.