The bald eagle is an easily recognizable and spectacular bird. It was chosen as the emblem of the United States of America because of its great strength and majestic look. The eagle represents freedom. Living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains and among the solitary of Nature, he has unlimited freedom as he sweeps into the valleys below or upward into the boundless spaces beyond. The bald eagle is the symbol of America, and has become a symbolic part of American culture. It is a magnificent bird of prey that has captivated many people for centuries.

Many people ask, “Where can I see a bald eagle?”

Blackwater, a National Wildlife Refuge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Dorchester County, is composed mainly of rich tidal marsh characterized by fluctuating water levels and varying salinity. It is a vital haven for waterfowl, as well as a sanctuary for the American bald eagle. Other habitat types within Blackwater include freshwater ponds, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, and small amounts of cropland.
Kayaking through Blackwater, I could feel my muscles beginning to burn as I placed the right side of my paddle blade in the water and rotated my torso. I pulled the blade through the water alongside the boat, retracting my right arm while extending my left. I could hear the water slide off my paddle as I continued my motions without a break. Kayaking allowed me to experience the changing colors of the leaves as Fall settled into place. I was able to explore and enjoy the peaceful solitude of the low country’s Blackwater River. The wildlife in the environment was abundant and diverse from birds to turtles, from fish to snakes. Bald eagles have always fascinated me, so I was especially on high alert for any large, dark birds flying over the river
Looking directly overhead, my eyes picked up on a bird soaring through the sky. My first thought was, “is it a bald eagle?” I stopped paddling to watch the bird as it flew through the blue sky in a circle; at last I was able to spot the white head and white tail. The eagle was flying low enough for me to see with my naked eyes; it was a mature eagle with a blackish-brown color on its back and a yellow hooked bill, as opposed to the juvenile eagle who has a mix of brown and white colors with a black bill. I could clearly see that the bald eagle’s wings were long and broad, making them highly efficient for soaring.

The eagle fully extended its wings, allowing the tips of the feathers to separate widely. I watched the eagle soar, wondering how they make it look so easy. Birds use thermals, rising currents of warm air and updrafts generated by terrain, to help them soar. An eagle’s soaring is accomplished with very little wing-flapping, enabling the bird to conserve energy. Eagles climb high in a thermal, and then glide downward to catch the next thermal, then repeat the process. The eagle waits for a draft and rides it—no struggle, no wing-flapping! It creates an atmosphere of grace.

When observing the bald eagle, I was sure to note the interaction between this interesting bird and other species of the avian world. Normally, I would see a bald eagle being chased by ospreys, but this time I saw two bald eagles circling each other. My first thought was that a vicious mid-air battle was about to ensue and the two were going to lock talons. I kept my eyes locked on them for a couple of seconds then I realized that they were mates, which is why they flew together. Mated eagles will remain together until one dies. Every time one would soar to a place where the sun reflected off of its body, the eagle’s white head and white tail feathers stood out so boldly. Watching this special treat sent chills down my spine.

Normally, this majestic bird is rather lazy and will take the path of least resistance. I usually see eagles perched on a tree overlooking a foraging area, using their exceptionally keen eyesight to watch for an unwary fish near the water’s surface or through a shallow stretch of a stream. This day, I was lucky to witness one of the eagles swoop over the water and marsh grass with its powerful yellow talons thrust forward to snatch its prey. It happened so fast I barely registered what happened. The diving speed of a bald eagle can be as much as 99 miles per hour. This was truly an exhilarating ten minutes for me to see the majestic bird of prey in action.

Close your eyes and picture this amazing and beautiful bird soaring over tops of mountains and across oceans of golden fields, flying over the seas and the cities where we live. This gives this magnificent bird the right to be our national bird! It seems that the bald eagle soars over us to protect us from evil. Did we choose the eagle to be our national bird or did the eagle choose us, so he could be our nation’s protector? This is a thought that has crossed my mind for the last few years. Fortunately, the bald eagle has been taken off of the endangered list and put onto the threatened list. For the bald eagle, it is a step up. Hopefully, the sight of our national bird soaring in the skies will once again become a common sight for Americans.

By Liz Shandor ‘11