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Picture source:
APL -American photo library © 1997-2004
Plans LTD
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Before the arrival of settlers on the continent, the population of Bald Eagles was great and according to some data, counted to about half a million individuals. The species was found throughout North America. Numerous populations were found in coastal areas, areas near rivers and lakes, at bays, etc. Bald Eagles Pictures - Threats to Survival
With the settlement of immigrants, the numbers of Bald Eagles plummeted rapidly, as humans competed with the species for similar foods. The species preys mostly on fish, so extensive fishing and a growing human population became the number one factors that made the species decline.
By the late 1800s, the number of Bald Eagles was reduced greatly, which called for immediate response. No sooner than by the 1930s did humans realize the threats to the survival of this large prey bird. As awareness over the future of the Bald Eagle increased, humans realized the importance of the species and passed the Bald Eagle Act in 1940. This measure prohibited harassment of the Bald Eagle and appeared to be effective since the population of the Bald Eagle started to increase.
However, human activities that devastated the population of the now protected species were not limited by hunting only. Humans started to make use of DDT and other chemicals that were transmitted to the Bald Eagle through eating dead flesh of small poisoned mammals. The pesticides affected the reproductive system of Bald Eagles badly.
The species suffered also from fishermen who thought the species was dangerous for the salmon population. Thus, Alaska fishermen killed about 100,000 individuals in the years from 1917 to 1953.
In 1976, the US fish and Wildlife Service listed the Bald Eagle as the Endangered species. This prohibited Bald Eagle take, trade, keeping, killing, etc. In 1995, the species' status was upgraded and Bald Eagles are now considered threatened on the Federal level.
Bald Eagles Pictures - Conservation Links
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Picture source:
APL -American photo library © 1997-2004
Plans LTD
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Alaska Bald Eagle Natural History Information - Social life, status and management of the species.
American Bald Eagle Preservation - Read about the problems connected with protection of this species and the history of the Bald Eagles in the USA.
AMNH Expedition -- Endangered Eagles - Bald Eagle Fact in metric and standard measurements.
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey - Maitland, Florida urban environmental nature center that specializes in the rescue, medical care, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey.
Rickerts Nature Preserve - Look at the photos of Bald Eagles living in the preserve.
Bald Eagle. Defenders of Wildlife - Lists information about the appearance, size, population, life span, habitat, diet, and behavior of Bald Eagle.
Birds Of Nova Scotia - Information on range, breeding, food habits and conservation status of the Bald Eagle.
California State Bald Eagles - Read about a cooperative research program on biodiversity conservation in central California, administered by California State University.
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 American Eagle Foundation - Committed to conduct projects that ensure the restoration and protection of Eagles in the wild.
The Eagle Institute - Conservation organization offering educational programs, guided habitat trips, volunteer monitoring, and data collection opportunities.
Bald Eagles Pictures - Related Links
"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.
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Picture source:
Calgarys Weaselhead Society
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American Bald Eagle Pictures - Contains a lot of images of these birds in the wild and basic information on them.
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 Eagles by Brendan - A brief description of the species including its diet, habitat and preservation measures.
Eagle Watch - Tracks the progress of four immature Bald Eagles rescued from a muddy silt pit in Charles County, Maryland.
Mid America Eagle Watch - Find where and when to see Bald Eagles in the wild.
Virtual Watching Tour: American Bald Eagles - Watch many photos and videos of the Eagles in the wild.
Wildlife of the Alligator River - Describes typical diet and habitat of these birds.
