Our national’s national symbol, the bald eagle, has made a remarkable recovery, including right here in Connecticut.
These majestic birds were nearly wiped out by the 1960s through hunting, habitat loss, and most critically toxic pesticides, including in particular DDT. Fortunately, DDT was banned in 1972 and the bald eagle began its slow but steady recovery. By 2007, enough progress had been made that the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list.
Approximately 100 bald eagles winter in the Nutmeg State, living mostly along major rivers and water bodies. Pairs breed in the month of January, with chicks born in February or March. It is critical that bald eagles not be disturbed at any time of year, but pairs raising chicks deserve special protection. These large and striking birds should be enjoyed at a distance, but if you are lucky enough to observe one, you can readily see why they were chosen as the national symbol by the Second Continental Congress. Notably, Ben Franklin wasn’t thrilled with the choice of the bald eagle, which he described as “a bird of bad moral character” for its observed tendency to steal caught fish from other birds of prey. Franklin thought the wild turkey “a much more respectable bird” although “a little vain and silly.” It is a persistent myth, however, that Franklin lobbied for the turkey as the national symbol since his design for the national seal did not include any birds.
Regardless of their “moral character,” these magnificent birds are now back for all to enjoy, underscoring the importance of protecting wild habitat along Connecticut’s watercourses. Here’s hoping you will see one or more with winter as they raise new chicks.