The Bald Eagle...?

Question

Was chosen as the national emblem of America on 20th June, 1782.

But how many Americans have actually seen one live and doing it's thing in the wild?

And how would those fortunate enough to see such a thing describe the experience?

Answer 1

I have seen them in the wild. They are truly majestic in flight. When I see one I'm reminded of the commercial where the Native American man is crying because of the pollution in our environment. I'm glad their numbers have increased.

Answer 2

I have been so lucky! Its awesome! There is almost nothing that can compare to the majesty and grace of the eagle. We are lucky here in northern Wisconsin, we are one of the few areas that has a viable population and so we get to see these amazing birds often. In fact there is a mated pair that lives in a downtown city park next to the river in Appleton! Its so cool to be able to go downtown and just sit and watch for hours, I have seen them fishing in the river and feeding their chicks. Its so awe inspiring!

Answer 3

Dragon has seen lots of em in the wild. At Dragon's cabin, they had a nest for years until the tree fell down.

They are very cool. Very big (for birds). They make a cute little sound that doesn't sound like you think an eagle would, but it seems to fit with them. Dragon likes to see eagles.

Answer 4

Bald eagles are amazing... huge birds. I can understand why it was chosen as our symbol, it's so different from the other eagles. Incredible creatures. The wings are one thing when it's perched upon a tree or in its nest, but when it flies... wow. Beautiful bird.

And have you seen a Bald Eagle?

Answer 5

AWESOME-I WATCH ALOT OF NATURE T.V. I THINK A SAW ONE IN THE HIGH SIERRAS (COMING FROM THE GULF OF MEXICO TO THE RED WOOD FORESTS)FOR IT'S REALITY. NOT ONLY DOES "BALD EAGLE " STAND AS AN ENBLEM ABOUT THE FREEDOM OF THE USA, BIKERS ALSO COINCIDE THIS MAJESTIC EAGLE AS A SYMBOL OF FREEDOM. JUST GOT THE GOOSEY PIMPLES THINKING ABOUT.MY HUSBAND & MY NEPHEW WERE BOTH LEAVING THIS WORLD WITH A "BALD EAGLE FEATHER" I HAVE (2) IN MY HOME HONORING THE EAGLE SUCH AS THEY DID. WOW.WHAT A GLIDE

Answer 6

The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), our national bird, is the only eagle unique to North America. The bald eagle's scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white," not hairless. Bald eagles are found over most of North America, from Alaska and Canada to northern Mexico. About half of the world's 70,000 bald eagles live in Alaska. Combined with British Columbia's population of about 20,000, the northwest coast of North America is by far their greatest stronghold for bald eagles. They flourish here in part because of the salmon. Dead or dying fish are an important food source for all bald eagles.

Eagles are a member of the Accipitridae family, which also includes hawks, kites, and old-world vultures.
Scientists loosely divide eagles into four groups based on their physical characteristics and behavior. The bald eagle is a sea or fish eagle.

There are two subspecies of bald eagles. The "southern" bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus, is found in the gulf states from Texas and Baja California across to South Carolina and Florida, south of 40 degrees north latitude. The "northern" bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus alascanus, is found north of 40 degrees north latitude across the entire continent. The largest number of northern bald eagles are in the Northwest, especially in Alaska. The "northern" bald eagle is slightly larger than the "southern" bald eagle. Studies have shown that "northern" bald eagles fly into the southern states and Mexico, and the "southern" bald eagles fly north into Canada. Because of these finding, the subspecies of "northern" and "southern" bald eagles has been discontinued in recent literature.

Bald eagles were officially declared an endangered species in 1967 in all areas of the United States south of the 40th parallel, under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Until 1995, the bald eagle had been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 43 of the 48 lower states, and listed as threatened in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Washington and Oregon. In July of 1995, the US Fish and Wildlife Service upgraded the status of bald eagles in the lower 48 states to "threatened."

The bald eagle is closer to being delisted. The USFWS issued guidelines on how the bald eagle should be protected by landowners and others, once it's no longer safeguarded as a "threatened" species. There are proposals which prohibit disturbing the bald eagle, which include disruption of its breeding, feeding or sheltering practices, which could cause death, injury or nest abandonment. Officials said the action could lead to the removal of the bald eagle from the "threatened" species list within the next year or so.

Even if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removes the bald eagle from the "threatened" species list, it will still be protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The Bald Eagle Protection Act prohibits the take, transport, sale, barter, trade, import and export, and possession of eagles, making it illegal for anyone to collect eagles and eagle parts, nests, or eggs without a permit.
Possession of a feather or other body parts of a bald eagle is a felony with a fine of up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment, although federally recognized Native Americans are able to possess these emblems which are traditional in their culture. Bald eagles are still listed as "threatened" in the United States.

Answer 7

cool question for a change!,,,i did ,,over the rockies years ago and it was a most awesome gracious site,,,,,something to be really proud of and probably why that's our national bird!!!

Answer 8

I have and it was awe inspiring
and breathtakingly beautiful to watch him fly.

Answer 9

I have. We got it on tape, he was so gorgeous.

Answer 10

huh?