American bald eagles are having a moment, ecologically and culturally
WEST ORANGE, N.J. (AP) — Along the long road from American icon to endangered species and back again, the bald eagle — the national bird of the United States, often seen against a clear blue sky — is having a moment.
The eagles find themselves in an environmental updraft of sorts since the early 2000s, when the federal government took the thriving birds off its endangered species list with more states following suit. Culturally, too, the animals are soaring.
In December, Joe Biden signed legislation making the raptor the country’s national bird (thought that was already the case? More in a bit). New Jersey became the latest state to delist the bald eagle as endangered in January, citing a remarkable comeback for the creatures associated with strength and independence — and that occupied just a single nest in the state decades ago. And to the chagrin or elation of football fans, the Philadelphia Eagles will be vying for a championship in the Super Bowl this weekend.
How did the storied birds find their way back? As with so many tales, it’s complex.
https://apnews.com/article/bald-eagles-national-bird-endangered-symbol-efd7f0360b5b027178a9c69e4d245f07
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Thousands of miles away from their homeland.
