Have you noticed the beauty of our National Bird? I was sitting here watching them on Animal Planet (one of my favorite stations on TV) and it just made me appreciate more of their majestic beauty. We need to know how we can learn and appreciate more about this beneficial creature to our nation.
Research on the internet reveals that Bald Eagle actually means sea eagle and bald actually meant “white” because, as we know they have white heads. If you study further about them you will find out that they are very monogamous with their mates. When they mate, the female Eagle usually only lays two eggs, which take about 5 weeks to hatch. Both the “mom and dad” stay with the eggs and the hatchlings, taking turns to keep them warm and/or hunt to feed them. The eaglet’s need to be kept warm for about 2 weeks at which time they can keep themselves warm. They build nest in very tall trees, about 80 feet above the ground, and their nests can be as large as 13 feet deep and 1 ton in weight. The amazing fact is that they reuse that same nest over and over again for years. They are basically sea birds, living on fish. Their habitat is mainly in Alaska and British Columbia, mostly because of the over abundance of salmon, their favorite food source.
Visit bird aviaries to further see these regal magnificent creatures in person and fully appreciate their beauty. They were considered Endangered at one time; upgraded to Threatened. They are protected by law and have been declared as a symbol of freedom back in 1782 and have been recognized on the Presidential Seal and various currencies. Their grandiose and magnificence exemplifies freedom.
Check out the Wikipedia on line for such amazing facts about these stately birds. I was so amazed when watching them and their history on TV and felt the need to bring it to your attention of how amazing these birds are. The female Eagle is 25% larger than the male, weighing in at about 13 pounds with a 96” wing span. The youngsters are all brown with tiny speckles of white until the 5th year when they reach maturity. Their life span is between 20 and 30 years, living much longer in captivity. They can fly at speeds of 35 – 43 MPH. Their diving speed when swooping down for prey can go at speeds up to 99 MPH. Though their main source of food is fish and seafood, they will also go for other small prey such as rabbits, beavers and more, anything that they can (carry away). I would have to say, as much as these birds are beautiful and I admire them, they are a bird of prey which I would fear because of my loving pets at home. The Eagle is definitely worthy of our respect and admiration . . . and further education, for us and our children.
