Don't call it a comeback

[MTK]

The bald eagle is about to come off the Endangered Species List, marking the apparent success of a conservation campaign that began in earnest 40 years ago -- when it was almost too late.

Link: Eagle no longer an endangered species - Breaking News Updates New Orleans - Times-Picayune - NOLA.com

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

We have tons of those beautiful birds around here in Northern Virginia near the Potomac River. I see them every weekend.
Awesome!!

[ArtMonkDrillz]

I've only ever seen one bald eagle in the wild, but fittingly enough it was on the 4th of July about seven years ago.
I saw it swoop over the water and perch on a mangrove tree when I was in Florida with my family and I still think it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life. I'll be back down in Florida next week so I hope to see another one.

[firstdown]

We have two which will fly over our house circurling around looking for fish and or field mice. We have water behind the house and a field across the road which they search. Everytime they fly over I just stop what I'm doing and watch them until they are out of site. I have seen one swoop down and snag a fish while boating a couple of years ago and thats very kool to see.

[Hog1]

I see them periodically down here. It's cool

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

There are at least 6 nesting pairs very near the my partner's bar on the river where tomorrow night they will shoot off a million tons of fireworks. Hope we don't shoot down our own American Symbol. lol No really.

I'll see if I can't get a picture of some this weekend. They're HUGE!

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by Hog1

I see them periodically down here. It's cool

I was in Marco Island when I saw the eagle on the 4th. That's right near you, isn't it?

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

This thread needs a picture. Here is one that lives near DC and a baby

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by ArtMonkDrillz

I was in Marco Island when I saw the eagle on the 4th. That's right near you, isn't it?

Interesting you should should say that. Marco is about 15 miles from my house. CR 951 is the main drag to Marco. I have a small sail boat I keep in "Isle of Capri", also off of CR 951. I think it must be a nesting pair, because I see one or both flying in the same general area on my way to the boat.
I REALLY like to see that!

[BDBohnzie]

not that I want to see it happen, but all I can think of is some redneck hunter in the middle of the country going, well hot damn, i can finally bag one and put it on my mantle and not get arrested for it.

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

Originally Posted by BDBohnzie

not that I want to see it happen, but all I can think of is some redneck hunter in the middle of the country going, well hot damn, i can finally bag one and put it on my mantle and not get arrested for it.

If I'm not mistaken it's illegal to shoot an Eagle and it had nothing to do with the Endangered part.

Shooting an Eagle around me would get the same reaction as burning a flag around me and that's someone's getting an ass whoopin.

[MTK]

I would think they would still be 'protected' to some degree.

[BDBohnzie]

I know the Bald Eagle is still protected...but some people aren't so bright...

[Sammy Baugh Fan]

Source: BALD EAGLE PROTECTION ACT: Summary from Federal Wildlife Laws Handbook

BALD EAGLE PROTECTION ACT
16 U.S.C. §§ 668-668d, June 8, 1940, as amended 1959, 1962, 1972, and 1978.

Overview. The Act prohibits the taking or possession of and commerce in bald and golden eagles, with limited exceptions.

Findings/Policy. The enacting clause of the original Act stated that the Continental Congress in 1782 adopted the bald eagle as the national symbol; that the bald eagle became the symbolic representation of a new nation and the American ideals of freedom; and that the bald eagle threatened with extinction. § 668 note.

Selected Definitions. Take: includes pursue, shoot, shoot at, poison, wound, kill, capture, trap, collect, molest or disturb. Transport: includes convey or carry by any means; also deliver or receive for conveyance. § 668c.

Prohibitions. The Act imposes criminal and civil penalties on anyone (including associations, partnerships and corporations) in the U.S. or within its jurisdiction who, unless excepted, takes, possesses, sells, purchases, barters, offers to sell or purchase or barter, transports, exports or imports at any time or in any manner a bald or golden eagle, alive or dead; or any part, nest or egg of these eagles; or violates any permit or regulations issued under the Act. A criminal conviction requires that the violator acted knowingly or with wanton disregard of the consequences. According to the Act, the criminal penalty is a maximum $5,000 fine or one-year imprisonment, or both, doubled for subsequent convictions, but the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984, as amended in 1987, increases maximum fines significantly. Each prohibited act is a separate violation. One-half of the criminal fine, but not to exceed $2,500, must be paid to whoever gives information leading to conviction. The civil penalty is a maximum fine of $5,000 per violation, with each violation a separate offense. Any livestock grazing agreement on federal land held by a person convicted under this Act is subject to immediate cancellation. § 668.

[dmek25]

last year, i was looking out my sliding glass doors, and saw something behind my fence. i grabbed my camera, and went out on my deck. sitting behind the fence was a beautiful bald eagle, that looked to be munching on a small rabbit. i then saw it the next day, flying above my neighborhood. what a beautiful sight