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BALD EAGLE FACTS On June 20, 1782, the US Congress approved the American bald eagle as our national emblem. But did you know that at that time Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey as the national bird? Congress over-ruled him. In 1940 the eagle gained full protection under federal law, making it illegal to shoot or possess eagles without a special permit. They became endangered due to toxic pesticides, heavy metal residues, and habital loss. In 1982 the breeding population of bald eagles outside Alaska was fewer than 1500 pairs. With the help of pesticide laws and restoration efforts, the bald eagle is no longer on the endangered species list, but remains on the threatened species list. Female bald eagles weigh up to 14 pounds and have a wingspan of up to 8 feet. Males are smaller, weighing 7-10 pounds, and a wingspan of 6 1/2 feet. The white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird is 4 to 5 years old. They mate for life, and build huge nests. One such nest was 10 feet across and 20 feet deep and another weighed 2 tons! Eagles lay 2 to 3 eggs that are slightly larger than chicken eggs, which hatch in about 35 days. Bald eagles winter and nest in Texas. On January 12, 1995 there were 51 eagles counted on Lake Palestine, by Texas Parks and Wildlife personnel.
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