Bald Eagle - Endangered Species
I remember watching the Bald Eagle fly around the mountains in Arizona when was a kid.
They were spectacular to behold. I never dreamed they would be on the verge of extinction.
Today this bird is about to be a thing of the past and it is your job to stop the process.
You are now in charge of saving the Eagle.
What are you going to do? What is your next step and how will you save this bird?
Gosh, I don't know what I would do if I had the power to stop the extinction of the eagle. Do you realize pesticides are the culprit behind the demise of our nations symbol.
Yes, pesticides, according to Think Quest "Bald eagles, the American symbol, mostly inhabit western Canada, Alaska, and sparsely spread throughout the lower 48 states. They congregate in northwestern Pacific, Florida, upper Great Lakes, and Chesapeake Bay. The bald eagles nest their home high up on fork branches of trees or on mountain cliffs."
Adult eagles have black-brown bodies, yellow beaks and legs, and white heads and tails. It takes 4 years for the plumage to develop. The growth of the plumage indicates the eagles' maturity and attracts mates. A fully-grown eagle can be, on an average, 30-40 inches (75-107.5cm) long. When they spread their wings, the wingspan can reach up to 8ft (2.4cm) wide.
These birds of prey often feed on fish and carrion. Once in a while they would catch rabbits, squirrels, or waterfowls. Bald eagles use their sharp beaks and talons to hunt down their victims. When they see their prey, the eagles launch a surprise attack. They would dive down quickly in hope to catch their lunch.
When near the prey, the eagles use their sharp talons to grab hold of their food. These predators are said to be opportunistic, which means that they adapt to the availability of food.
Both parents incubate and care for their young. The usually clutch size is 2 eggs. The incubation period is about 34-36 days.
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), a pesticide, once used to kill off pest in farmlands endangered the eagle population. This pesticide decreased the reproduction rate of the eagles. Since it was banned in 1960, the population of the bird is making a comeback.
Now there are about 30,000 eagles in Alaska and Canada, and about 2,500 in the 48 states. Another reason the eagles are endangered is that hunters shoot them or they use poisoned carrion as bait to catch them.
This animal was adopted as the American symbol in 1782 for its "fierce and independent image." On the contrary, eagles are timid creature"
I know pesticides are dangerous but I had no idea, until now, that these deadly chemicals were partly responsible for the killing eagles.
Ok, the solution is simple, stop producing harmful chemicals. And, past stricter laws on shooting the bird. I can't believe someone would actually shot an eagle. However, on the other hand, if a person would kill another person why wouldn't they kill an Eagle.
Human hearts need to be changed and the only power I ever knew that was capable of changing a person's heart is God. So, let's all develop and use our God given ability to love one another and the animals God has given us to protect. Sounds good to me, what about you.
Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, bald eagle populat...Earthjustice — January 29, 2007 — Footage of our great american treasure, the bald eagle.
hanks to the Endangered Species Act, bald eagle populations have grown from less than 500 breeding pairs to almost 8,000.
We owe it to our children and grandchildren to be good stewards of the environment and leave behind a legacy of protecting endangered species and the special places they call home.
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