WEST ORANGE, N.J. (AP) — The bald eagle, America’s national bird, has made a remarkable comeback in recent years. After being removed from the endangered species list in the early 2000s, the eagles have been thriving. Culturally, they are also gaining recognition. Joe Biden recently signed legislation designating the bald eagle as the country’s national bird, further solidifying their iconic status.
New Jersey is the latest state to delist the bald eagle as endangered, citing the impressive recovery of these majestic birds. Once scarce in the state with only a single nest decades ago, there are now approximately 300 nesting pairs. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles football team is set to compete in the Super Bowl, adding to the eagles’ current spotlight.
The resurgence of the bald eagles can be attributed to the banning of DDT, an insecticide that had harmful effects on their eggs. Conservation efforts involved importing eagles from stable populations and employing innovative methods like egg swapping to boost their numbers. This success story serves as a vital lesson in conservation.
Despite their adaptability and resilience, bald eagles face risks as they expand into human-populated areas like New Jersey suburbs. Conservationists and wildlife experts are working to protect these remarkable birds from threats like car accidents.
The eagles’ remarkable recovery serves as a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the importance of protecting our nation’s iconic wildlife.
A single bird, a male named Freedom, was perched atop a branch within his enclosure at the zoo not long ago, emitting a loud call. He had been discovered hanging by a rope, sustaining an injury that would unfortunately render him incapable of being released back into the wild, as stated by Fazio. In addition to this physical threat, there are other factors at play. The preservation of habitat and the availability of clean, open water, crucial for the feeding habits of eagles that heavily rely on fish, are causes for concern. Moreover, there is the ongoing issue of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Clark mentioned that authorities will be vigilant and continue surveillance efforts during this outbreak.
Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in the popularity of these majestic birds. Not only have they been removed from endangered lists, but they recently garnered attention for being officially recognized as the national bird of the county, a long-overdue acknowledgment rectified by legislation signed by President Biden. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the bill’s sponsor, revealed that collaboration with Native American and veterans groups was instrumental in garnering support for the legislation, which remarkably passed through both the House and Senate without opposition.
The symbolic significance of eagles is deeply rooted in various Native American cultures, where they are revered as emblems of strength, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, as shared by Paul Apodaca, a retired academic specializing in folklore and mythology. Their symbolic representation as a nation contributes significantly to their conservation efforts, with experts viewing them as an “umbrella species” whose conservation aids in protecting other lesser-known wildlife species.
Eagles hold a special place in the hearts of Americans, evoking a personal connection that endures through generations, as noted by Clark. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey, hailing from Philadelphia Eagles territory, shared a memorable experience of taking his young sons to the NFC championship game, underscoring the profound impact of the bald eagle being designated as America’s national bird alongside the Eagles’ journey to the Super Bowl.
Encountering a bald eagle in the wild or even glimpsing one while traveling along a busy highway can leave a lasting impression. Dan Day, an avid birder who has had the privilege of spotting bald eagles on numerous occasions, emphasized the thrill of encountering these magnificent birds, reflecting on how his childhood in Cleveland lacked such sightings. As a current resident of New Jersey and a Philadelphia Eagles enthusiast, he frequently ventures out wearing his green “Birds” cap and using binoculars in search of these majestic creatures.
While it is a joy to observe bald eagles in their natural habitat, experts urge the public to give these creatures the space they require. The conservation efforts aimed at rescuing endangered species, such as eagles, come with considerable costs and uncertainties, highlighting the delicate balance of safeguarding these creatures from the brink of extinction, as expressed by Clark, the official from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
