|
|
Picture source:
Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region
|
It is believed that before the emigrants settled in North America, the number of American Bald Eagles counted about half a million individuals. The birds were common and thrived on vast territories of the continent including Alaska and Florida. Large numbers of these predators were found near rivers and other water resources, as the main food of the American Bald Eagle is fish.
With the growth of human population and city expansion, the number of American Bald Eagles decreased rapidly. Humans started to rival with the species for food and did quite well in it due to effective equipment. Eventually, the population of the American Bald Eagle decreased sharply by the 1800s.
Although concern over the diminishing population of the species grew in the first part of the 20th century, which provided for the Bald Eagle Act adoption, the situation remained discouraging. Many birds suffered from chemicals that started to be used for agriculture purposes. Eaten by American Bald Eagles, drugs appeared to be hazardous for eaglets and decreased the number of the healthy births.
Competition with man for food resources and the effects of pesticides used in agriculture were not the only threats to the survival of the species. The American Bald Eagle was hunted extensively in Alaska in the first part of the 20th century as the main salmon eater.
Concern over the status of the American Bald Eagle rose significantly and many dedicated people formed groups to help the species survive. In 1967, the species was declared endangered in the United States. With many programs and acts aimed at species' conservation, the American Bald Eagle's population started to slowly recover. In 1995, American Bald Eagles were declared threatened.
American Bald Eagles Information - Conservation Links
|
|
Picture source:
The Illinois Raptor Center
|
American Bald Eagle Preservation - Read about the problems connected with protection of this species and the history of the Bald Eagles in the USA.
American Bald Eagle Released at Santa Cruz Island - A survey on chemicals in the eagles' food and their influence on the eagles' reproduction.
Bald Eagles in Roaring Fork Conservancy - Read about what can be done to protect these birds from extinction.
Berkshire Bird Paradise Sanctuary - A sanctuary for disabled birds provide a lot of information on the species and educates the public about necessity for saving these birds.
Birds Of Nova Scotia - Information on range, breeding, food habits and conservation status of the Bald Eagle.
Eagles and the Law - Read how these raptors are protected by the American Government.
Peregrine Fund - Works to conserve wild populations of birds of prey.
Rickerts Nature Preserve - Look at the photos of Bald Eagles living in the preserve.
Saving Bald Eagles - Read the history of Bald Eagle restoration in Alabama and its current conservation status.
The American Bald Eagle Foundation - An educational foundation dedicated to the protection and preservation of Bald Eagle habitat by sponsoring and facilitating research activities.
The Eagle Institute - Conservation organization offering educational programs, guided habitat trips, volunteer monitoring, and data collection opportunities.
American Bald Eagles Information - Related Links
|
|
Picture source:
Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region
|
"The American Bald Eagle" - Read about how and why these birds became the symbol of America.
American Bald Eagle - National Wildlife Federation - Provides general information on these birds and their interaction with humans.
American Bald Eagle Pictures - Bald Eagle gallery made by professional photographers.
American Wildlife. Bald Eagles - Hear the Bald Eagle and see the movie online.
Bald Eagle Profile - Learn about the species and its importance for humans.
Bald Eagle Stock Images - Many pages of Bald Eagles and other raptors' photos.
Bird of Prey. Bald Eagle - Names and photos of various birds of prey.
Critter Corner - The American Bald Eagle - Basic information and conservational status of the species.
Virtual Watching Tour: American Bald Eagles - Watch many photos and videos of the eagles in the wild.
