The bald eagle was declared the national symbol of the United States in 1782. Ironically, this species was threatened with extinction in the 1950s and 1960s, due to reproductive failure caused by the pesticide DDT. This pesticide was banned in 1972. Due to the banning of DDT, habitat protections provided by the Endangered Species Act, and aggressive reintroduction programs conducted by federal and state agencies, Bald Eagle numbers increased sufficiently to be removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species on August 9, 2007.
The majestic bird pictured above was observed on Long Hollow Road, just off Hurricane Creek Road, near Waynesboro last week. Several of these national U.S. symbols have been spotted in Wayne County over the last few years, and those who are fortunate enough to see them are undoubtedly in awe of the special creatures.
According to TWRA, the bald eagle was among the first species to be listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and among the first to be delisted. This species still receives protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Experts say that bald eagles form long-term pair bonds that usually last the life of the birds. In Tennessee, egg laying peaks in late February. The male assists the female in building a large bulky nest in the top of a large tree near an opening that can accommodate their large wingspan. The nest is used for several years with new material added each year. Old nests can reach 8 feet across and 12 feet deep, and weigh several tons.
TWRA says that there are over 175 nesting pairs of bald eagles in Tennessee today, and most of these birds remain in the state year-round. Individuals from more northern breeding populations migrate to Tennessee for the winter, arriving in late October, and peak numbers of 300 to 500 individuals occur in late January to mid-February.
Fun Facts:
• The “bald” in bald eagles comes from an old English term meaning white, referring to its white head.
• The life span has been recorded at 39 years in the wild and 50 years in captivity.
• Horizontal flight speed has been measured at 44 miles per hour.
Photo courtesy of Karla Boucher
