The Bald Eagle is a classic icon of American strength, courage, and freedom. It was chosen as the national emblem in 1782, and appears on most official seals of the U.S. government. Bald Eagles are a native species that can be found in every state except Hawaii. Forty years ago Bald Eagles were in danger of extinction throughout most of their range due to habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and the introduction of chemical pesticides into the environment.
Their road to recovery was established with the Endangered Species Act and protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the federal banning of the pesticide DDT, and conservation actions of the public. Successfully, the Bald Eagle was removed from the endangered species list in June of 2007.
Did You Know?
- Eagles aren’t really bald - term is used to mean “white headed”
- Lives and nests along coastlines and near large bodies of water to feed on fish
- Largest recorded Eagle nest found in Florida in 1963 measuring 10 feet wide and 20 feet deep!
- Can fly as fast as 45 miles per hour and its diving speed can reach almost 100 miles per hour
- Lifespan is 30-35 years in the wild
What Can YOU DO to help Birds?
- Participate in citizen science bird monitoring programs: be an eagle watcher, help with local bird counts or log sightings using eBird
- Create a bird habitat in your yard
- Choose 100% recycled-content paper products (to save trees!)
- Assess home and office for risk of bird/glass collisions and implement best practices
- Keep cats indoors
- Reduce use of chemicals in the environment
