Celebrate Independence with America’s Bird, the Bald Eagle

They’re big, handsome, and have impressive talons. And as the national bird of the United States, the Bald Eagle’s comeback is one of our best wildlife success stories. At the time of the American Revolution there were roughly 100,000 Bald Eagles in America, but in 1963 there were fewer than 1,000 in our country thanks to DDT poisoning, destroyed habitat, and poaching. But through increased protection and a ban on DDT, there are now nearly 10,000 nesting pairs in the lower 48. While it was de-listed From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in 2007, Bald Eagles retain protected status, and remain endangered in California.

An American Icon

Throughout history, the eagle has been considered a sign of strength and determination. Roman legions used the animal as their standard or symbol. The Bald Eagle was chosen in 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America due to its long life, great strength and majestic looks. The eagle represents freedom, living on the tops of lofty mountains in the solitary grandeur of Nature. The Bald Eagle appears on official U.S. documents, currency, flags, and public buildings, as well as in the Great Seal of the United States, helping to promote our nation’s authority, and serving as an American icon.

See the Local Big Bear Eagles

Locally in Big Bear Lake we are graced with Bald Eagles, and have had a unique window into their world through the Big Bear Bald Eagle Nest Cam, which enjoys tens-of-thousands of regular viewers. Big Bear’s forested lake environment provides an ideal habitat and food source for Bald Eagles. Tall trees make good nests, and lake fish supply abundant food. While Spring snow storms forced us to suffer through the loss of an Eaglet in May, the remaining young eagle appears strong as we watch him test out his wings and prepare to leave the nest, or fledge.

To view Bald Eagles in Big Bear, you can simple watch for them soaring above Big Bear Lake, as we saw on one of Chirp’s recent Bird Walks, or scan the tops of trees with binoculars. The Big Bear Alpine Zoo provides opportunities to see rehabilitating adult Bald Eagles in person. With a powerful spotting scope from Dana Point Park, you can make out the nesting eagles across Grout Bay, but the live Eagle Cam provides a better close up view.

Read the Big Bear Bald Eagle Overview or watch the Live Big Bear Lake Bald Eagle Cam. On behalf of all the Bald Eagles across our Country, Happy Birthday, America!