The Eagle
A bird that embodies both power and grace has been the chosen symbol of many civilizations, representing loyalty, strength, and courage.
In 1782, the Bald Eagle was adopted as the national symbol of the United States. Native to North America, the Bald Eagle ranges from Northern Canada to Northern Mexico.
It is usually found in the vicinity of water, along rivers, lakes, marshes and sea coast. It scientific name Haliaeetus Leucocephalus means white headed sea eagle. But, the distinctive white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird has reached four or five years of age.
Fully grown eagles can weight up to 7 kilograms and have a wing span of up to 2 and half meters.
The Bald Eagle is a great hunter. Its diet consist primarily a fish, but it will also feed on ducks, rodents, snakes, and carrion. Its keen eye can spot prey a mile away. With its strong sharp talons, the Bald Eagle is capable of carrying up to 5 kilograms while in flight.
Today, the greatest number of Bald Eagle can be found in Alaska. There are about 40,000 eagles through out the state.
Every year from October to January, thousands of Bald Eagles migrate here to Chilkat Valley in Southern Alaska. And every year, thousands of salmon swim up to Chilkat River to spawn and then slowly die.
The weak fish are an easy target for the eagles which feast on the annual salmon die off.
Listed an endangered species in 43 of the lower 48 states until 1995 the, Bald Eagle is making a remarkable come back. Through the recovery of breed of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the banning of DTT and the general improvement of their habitat, Bald Eagle population have steadily increased.
While on the early 1960’s, few of them 450 nesting pairs were estimated in the 48 Coterminous United States.
There are now nearly 4,500 adult Bald Eagle nesting pairs and many more young.
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