Great news just a few days before July 4th… The bald eagle has been removed from the list of threatened and endangered species! The bald eagle nearly disappeared from the ‘lower 48’ of the United States several decades ago. It now has a presence in each of the lower 48 states with almost 10,000 nesting pairs. The bald eagles in Alaska have maintained their strength throughout the last century with a population of 50,000 and 70,000 birds.
A news release from the US Interior Department noted the importance of continued vigilance:
“Bald eagles will continue to be protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Both federal laws prohibit ‘taking’ – killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs.”
Bald Eagles are beautiful birds with magnificent white head and tail feathers. Females can weigh up to fourteen pounds and can have a wingspan approaching eight feet. Males are smaller than females. The live near water where they can find fish, so look for bald eagles near rivers and lakes.
Eagles are loyal mates and keep their partners for life. They can build very impressive nests that become bigger and bigger with each passing year. Sometimes they can span ten feet and weigh 1,000 pounds! They can live up to 25 years in the wild. And thankfully with the conservation efforts, more and more of these birds will live long and productive lives.
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