Pay homage to the national symbol of the USA by celebrating National Save the Eagles Day. Observed each year on January 10, this day is intended to raise awareness about the ecological threats faced by this majestic bird.
The American bald eagle, which earned its name from its white-feathered head, was once nearing extinction. Already endangered by excessive hunting and a loss of habitat, another threat to eagles was DDT. DDT was a harmful pesticide, which used to be frequently used. The chemicals were absorbed by the fish the eagles eat, as a result the shells of the bald eagle became very thing. With thin shells, the bald eagle’s children had less of a chance at survival. DDT was banned in 1972 and this, along with other rehabilitative programs, helped move the bald eagle from endangered status to threatened.
Bald eagles are found nearly everywhere in the US from Florida to Alaska, and are populous in Canada as well. They tend to live near coastal areas, as well as lakes and rivers where fish are plentiful. A migratory bird, they are known to fly as far south as Mexico.
At its lowest point, there were only 417 mated pairs of eagles in the US, a far cry from the nearly 75,000 that had been flying the nation’s skies in 1782 when the bird was first appointed as a national symbol. Actions to protect them began in 1940 and increased with the enactment of the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966. By 1995, there were nearly 4,500 birds. This spectacular recovery could not have happened without strict laws against hunting and the banning of harmful chemicals.
Today the bald eagle is still under threat from loss of wetlands habitat and illegal hunting. By raising awareness of their plight, this powerful symbol of strength and freedom will once again soar freely, and become a common sight in the American sky. Spread the word about National save the eagles day, before it’s too late!
Related article: Canadian Fishermen Save Imperiled Bald Eagle
Featured Image from Alexas_Fotos/Unsplash
