What is a Bald Eagle?
Bald eagles are raptors (predatory birds). Only two kinds of eagles live in North America, the golden eagle and bald eagle. Bald eagles migrate through the Columbia Basin; some winter along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. Others can be seen along the Yakima River. Most bald eagles that winter in Washington go on to Alaska or British Columbia to hatch their young. Bald eagles have played an important role in history. For example, the Egyptian hieroglyphic of an eagle is said to represent the free-soaring soul of man. The Phoenicians adapted the eagle symbol and used it for the letter “a.” American Indians wore eagle feathers as badges of rank and courage. The bald eagle was incorporated into the national seal of the United States in 1782 by the Continental Congress, and the eagle was selected as our national bird, beating out the wild turkey.
