Bald Eagle

The Bald Eagle, who's scientific name is Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is a large bird of prey who's wingspan may reach up to approximately 7 feet in diameter.  Contrary to popular belief the Bald Eagle does not exist only in high mountainous regions but may inhabit any area located within about two miles of a body of water.  This makes sense considering that the Bald Eagle's scientific name is translated as "white headed sea eagle", with most of their diet consisting of fish.
The Eagle once inhabited almost the entire North American continent with pre-colonial estimates ranging from 250,000 to a half million birds.  Although that many birds would have made eagle sightings much more common a century ago the Bald Eagle is so striking in appearance that it prompted the U.S. government to designate the species as  our national symbol in 1782.

In contrast to the large populations of the past, the unregulated use of pesticides, such as DDT, and the loss of uncontaminated waterways and habitat, caused the eagle to be placed on the endangered list but the focus on a cleaner environment has begun to pay off.

Although Pennsylvania had only three known bald eagle nests up until 1980, Reintroduction programs in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are responsible for the Eagle being upgraded to "threatened" in 1995.  Programs designed to reintroduce the eagle originally transported birds from Canada.  Once these transported birds were raised to adulthood in their new homes their instincts caused them to return to the same nesting sites and thus the beginning of a new population of Bald Eagles in Pennsylvania.

Recent surveys have recorded record numbers of Bald Eagles in Pennsylvania including areas along the Allegheny River.  The exciting increase in the eagle population makes it more likely for visitors to get the chance to view this awesome bird.  Visitors may want to keep an eye out for nests.  Eagles return to the same nesting site every year and add on to the original structure each season.  Taking into account the fact that they can live to be up to 30 years old some of their nests can begin to take on truly monstrous proportions.  The largest nest ever recorded was 9 feet wide and 20 feet high.