MY BIRD BOOK: Virginia

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NEW PHOTOS: NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDENS Photos uploaded April 19, 2006, Wednesday: I went with a couple of elderly relatives to the Norfolk Botanical Garden from 11.30 am to 1.30 pm, approximately today. The Garden (featuring over 20 themed gardens in 155 acres) is adjacent to the Norfolk International Airport, and so there was the occasional sound of a plane taking off or landing. The airport itself however is hidden by a berm. There's supposed to be 95 species of birds viewable here (depending on the season), but in two hours I heard only a few chirpy cheepy cheep cheeps, and saw only a handful of Canada geese. The only birds I saw flitting around were in the parking lots. Was it the season, the time of day, the excess noise from groups of young kids, or the fact that we spent most - but not all! of our time on a tram rather than walking? (There are actually 12 miles of paths to walk...) On the following five pages are 47 photographs. The geese, a snake, some koi fish, and the rest is scenery. I give the geese photographs pride of place at the top of the page, and the rest of the photos are chronological. On this page: 12 photos. Near the end of our tour I was so discouraged about seeing no birds, except Canada geese and the ubiquitous black birds in the parking lot, that I took a photo of a Canada goose just on principle. Leaving the parking lot, on the long road to the main 'drag,' these geese were clustered on the shore. Finally something different! Anyone know what kind of goose this is? The beginning of our day at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. A mermaid in front of the Visitor Center. On the way down to the Rose Garden - three gazebos. These can be rented for group functions. The Garden has a famous Rose Garden - but nothing was in bloom. The roses are scheduled to bloom in May. The Rose Gardens from the opposite side (as we were returning from a circular trip). These boats take people, at $4 per person, through the gardens, out onto Lake Whitehurst, and back. Next to the rose gardens were banks of tulip beds. Next to the rose gardens were banks of tulip beds. Next to the rose gardens were banks of tulip beds. Go to page 2. This website began in April 2006. Last update: April 19, 2006. Email me at Barbara@thethunderchild.com.