The Bald Eagle: Finally America’s Official National Bird
After nearly 250 years as an unofficial national symbol, the bald eagle has finally been officially designated as America’s national bird. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Tuesday, solidifying the majestic bird’s status as a representative of the United States. The bald eagle’s image has long been associated with the nation, appearing on the Great Seal, currency, military insignia, and various other official emblems. However, it was never formally recognized as the national bird, possibly due to historical disagreements among the Founding Fathers. This oversight has now been rectified, bringing the bald eagle’s symbolic representation in line with its prominent place in American iconography.
The bald eagle’s journey to becoming the national bird is a testament to its resilience and recovery. Once facing extinction due to habitat loss, pesticides, and hunting, the species experienced a dramatic decline in population during the mid-20th century. The Bald Eagle Protection Act, along with conservation efforts, played a crucial role in its resurgence. Today, the bald eagle population has rebounded significantly, with an estimated 316,700 individuals, including over 71,000 breeding pairs. This remarkable recovery underscores the importance of conservation efforts and highlights the bald eagle’s status as a symbol of national strength and perseverance.
The initiative to formally recognize the bald eagle stemmed from an unexpected source – a Minnesota resident named Preston Cook. Surprised to discover that the bald eagle wasn’t already the national bird, Cook drafted a bill and sent it to lawmakers. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, also from Minnesota, championed the bill, which garnered bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Its unanimous passage through Congress signifies the widespread recognition of the bald eagle’s importance to the nation.
The bill’s signing culminates a long and symbolic journey for the bald eagle. While many Americans assumed the bird already held the title of national bird, the official designation corrects a historical anomaly. It also aligns with the sentiments of countless citizens who view the bald eagle as a powerful emblem of freedom, strength, and national pride. The fact that the bill passed with unanimous support reflects the shared appreciation for the bald eagle’s significance in American culture and history.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers, famously opposed the bald eagle as a national symbol. He preferred the turkey, considering the bald eagle a bird of "bad moral character." However, the bald eagle ultimately prevailed, becoming a central figure on the Great Seal of the United States. This historical debate adds another layer of intrigue to the bald eagle’s journey to official recognition.
The formal designation of the bald eagle as the national bird comes at a crucial time. Climate change poses a significant threat to the species, impacting its habitat, prey availability, and reproduction. The new law may help raise awareness about these challenges and galvanize conservation efforts to ensure the continued prosperity of this iconic bird. The bald eagle’s story, from near-extinction to national symbol, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the enduring connection between nature and national identity.
