Images of the Majestic Bald Eagle.
The Bald Eagle: Icon of Strength and Freedom
The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is one of North America’s most iconic birds—and the proud national symbol of the United States. Despite its name, the bald eagle isn’t actually bald. The term “bald” comes from an old English word, balde, meaning “white,” referring to the bird’s striking white head and tail that contrast sharply with its dark brown body and wings.
These powerful raptors boast an impressive wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and can soar at altitudes of over 10,000 feet. With keen eyesight up to eight times stronger than a human’s, they can spot prey from over a mile away. Their diet mainly consists of fish, but they’re also opportunistic hunters and scavengers, often stealing food from other birds—a behavior as cunning as it is efficient.
Bald eagles are monogamous, often mating for life, and build enormous nests—some as large as 10 feet wide and weighing up to a ton! These nests are typically located high in tall trees near bodies of water, where food is abundant.
Once endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and the pesticide DDT, the bald eagle has made a remarkable comeback. Thanks to federal protection and conservation efforts, it was removed from the U.S. endangered species list in 2007—a true success story for wildlife preservation.
Fun Fact: Despite their majestic appearance, bald eagles don’t actually have the fierce screech we often hear in movies—that sound usually belongs to the red-tailed hawk!
Commentary:
There’s something deeply humbling about witnessing a bald eagle in the wild. Whether perched stoically on a treetop or diving talon-first toward the water, it embodies grace, power, and freedom. As a photographer, capturing this bird isn’t just about the image—it’s about honoring the spirit of the wild it represents.