“Bald Eagle, Sacred Emblem & Protector”

Bald Eagles typically nest in forested areas adjacent to large bodies of water, staying away from heavily developed areas when possible.

The Bald Eagle Act of 1940 federally protected them in every way, though the toughest ecological lesson was that of DDT–a ‘miracle’ insecticide that caused a cascade of harms and was eventually banned with public pressure.

Fish are the mainstay of their diet (sometimes taken from other birds or even humans!), but they eat a wide variety of foods depending on what’s available–birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates such as crabs, and mammals, including rabbits and muskrats.

Bald Eagle nests are HUUUUUGE–typically 5 to 6 feet in diameter and 2 to 4 feet tall, ranging in shape depending on the supporting tree. Both sexes bring materials to the nest, but the female does most of the placement. They weave together sticks and fill in the cracks with softer material such as grass, moss, or cornstalks.

Bald Eagles are powerful fliers—soaring, gliding, and flapping over long distances. In one of several spectacular courtship displays, a male and female fly high into the sky, lock talons, and cartwheel downward together, breaking off at the last instant to avoid crashing to earth.

Remember the sound of eagles used in movies? It’s actually the sound of a Red-Tailed Hawk. Bald Eagles actually sound like this!