2 minute read
soaring into the new year
If you’re lucky, you might spot an American Bald Eagle or two around No. 6 Vineyard tee box! Eagles are majestic birds, symbolizing strength and freedom in the United States. Here are some fascinating facts about them:
National Symbol
The Bald Eagle was chosen as the emblem of the United States in 1782, symbolizing long life, great strength, and majestic looks.
Size & Wingspan
These birds are large raptors. Females, typically larger than males, can weigh up to 14 lbs, with a wingspan reaching up to 8 ft.
Diet
Bald Eagles are primarily fish eaters, skillfully snatching fish from the water with their sharp talons. They also eat small mammals, birds, and carrion.
Nesting Habits
They build some of the largest nests of any bird species, often reused and added to each year, measuring up to 10 ft across and weighing up to a ton.
Lifespan
In the wild, Bald Eagles can live up to 20 to 30 years. In captivity, they have been known to live even longer.
Conservation Success Story
Once endangered due to hunting, habitat destruction, and the effects of DDT, the Bald Eagle has made a remarkable recovery since the 1970s and was removed from the US federal government's list of endangered species in 2007.
Vision
Their eyesight is extremely sharp, enabling them to spot prey from a great distance. Their vision is estimated to be 4 to 8 times stronger than that of the average human.
Distribution & Habitat
Bald Eagles are found throughout North America, primarily near large bodies of open water with abundant food supply and old-growth trees for nesting.
Mating for Life
They are known to form lifelong pair bonds. If one of the pair dies, however, the survivor will accept a new mate.
These remarkable birds not only represent the spirit of freedom and strength but also embody the success of wildlife conservation efforts.
