Bald Eagle
Art by Jackie Blurton
Nature Note by Dr. Roland Shook
The predatory habits, fierceness, and love of independence of hawks, eagles, and falcons make them suitable symbols on coats-of-arms for the great nations of the earth. Their role in falconry has endeared them to kings and nobles since the Middle Ages. Today, contrary to the views of the uninformed, birds of prey are recognized as being of great value to agriculture owing to the millions of rabbits, rodents, and grasshoppers they destroy annually. The adult Bald Eagle is our only large brown bird with a white head and tail. This magnificent species was chosen as our national symbol even though Benjamin Franklin thought the Wild Turkey was more appropriate. Bald Eagles, once in danger of extinction, have made a remarkable comeback based upon sound management practices.
Bald Eagles feed primarily on dead fish, small animals, and rarely birds. Therefore, look for this species near water, especially in the winter. Although not a common breeder in New Mexico, and then only in the northern parts of the state, this species winters along the Gila River west of Silver City. Like many species at the top of the food chain, Bald Eagles are susceptible to lead poisoning from ingesting ducks killed with lead shot or ingesting lead fishing weights.
Except for European Starlings, Rock Pigeons (i.e., domestic pigeons), and House Sparrows, Federal Law protects ALL birds. The implication of this law is birds cannot be taken or possessed, including nests, feathers or other parts, without the appropriate permit or license.
