Bald Eagles Soar: Ecological and Cultural Comeback “`

Bald Eagles The Comeback

WEST ORANGE, N.J. — The American bald eagle, a national symbol, is experiencing a resurgence, both ecologically and culturally, after a period of endangerment.

Eagle populations have significantly rebounded since the early 2000s, leading to their removal from the endangered species list at the federal level and in several states. This ecological recovery is mirrored by a rise in cultural significance.

In December, legislation officially designated the bald eagle as the nation’s bird (despite widespread prior assumption). This month, New Jersey, citing a remarkable population increase from a single nest decades ago, also removed the eagle from its endangered species list. Adding to the eagle’s current prominence, the Philadelphia Eagles are competing in this weekend’s Super Bowl.

The eagles’ comeback is a multifaceted story.

DDT’s Impact and Conservation Efforts

The story of the bald eagle’s recovery, exemplified by New Jersey’s population growth from one nesting pair in the 1980s to approximately 300 today, is largely attributed to the banning of DDT. This insecticide caused thin-shelled eggs, leading to population decline. The pesticide was banned in 1972.

To bolster eagle numbers, conservationists relocated eagles from areas with stable populations, including Canada. They also implemented an egg-removal and artificial incubation program, as explained by Kathy Clark, head of New Jersey’s Endangered and Nongame Species Program, to ensure successful hatching and chick rearing.

“They’re one of the few conservation success stories of animals that almost went extinct on our continent. And so I think now it’s really important to make sure people know that story and learn from it,” noted Maia Edwards, the science director at the American Bald Eagle Foundation in Alaska.

Clark, whose decades of experience include the era of critically low eagle populations, highlights the eagles’ adaptability. They now thrive across densely populated New Jersey, from suburban Bergen County to coastal wetlands.

She recounted the story of a fledgling eagle found in a suburban backyard, showcasing the eagles’ capacity to navigate human environments. Despite initial concerns, the eagle, later identified by a band, was observed a year later, demonstrating its resilience.

“Those birds that, you know, have that tolerance to live like in such a densely human structured environment is something I have a hard time understanding,” she said. “They’re Jersey birds. You got to have attitude, right?”

However, suburban expansion presents new threats. Jilian Fazio, director of the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo, reports rescuing eagles injured by vehicles. One such eagle, a male named Freedom, sustained an injury preventing release back into the wild.

Ongoing threats include habitat loss and water pollution, as eagles heavily rely on fish for sustenance. According to Clark, officials are maintaining surveillance in light of the avian flu outbreak.

Renewed Cultural Significance

Beyond their ecological recovery, the bald eagles recently gained official recognition as the nation’s bird through legislation sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar. This addressed a legal oversight stemming from the eagle’s presence on the national seal.

Klobuchar collaborated with Native American and veterans groups, securing bipartisan support for the legislation. The eagle holds significant cultural importance in various Native American cultures, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, according to Paul Apodaca, a retired academic specializing in folklore and mythology.

The eagles’ symbolic status contributes to conservation efforts, making them an “umbrella species.” Their habitat requirements benefit other less prominent wildlife.

“Americans are always going to have that sort of personal relationship with bald eagles,” Clark remarked.

Sightings, whether in the wild or along roadways, leave lasting impressions. Dan Day, a birder who has observed bald eagles numerous times, notes a stark contrast to his childhood experiences in Cleveland where he never saw them. Now a New Jersey resident, he regularly searches for eagles.

“Just the mere thrill of seeing one — a lot of people just have never, ever looked at one,” he said. “It really elevates your day to see a bald eagle.”

Experts encourage responsible viewing and maintaining a safe distance. The high costs and uncertainties involved in wildlife conservation are also highlighted by Clark’s reflections on the near-extinction of the species.