Bald Eagles’ Soaring Comeback as America’s Official National Bird

Conservationists say the designation of the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States adds new focus on preservation efforts.

A bald eagle prepares to take flight in Katchemak Bay, Alaska. Andy Morffew/CC BY-SA 2.0

PHOENIX—“I love bald eagles!” declared Lexie Fuenning during a visit to the Phoenix Zoo. “I recently was in Washington state and saw some in the wild.”

She had never seen American bald eagles up close before, as Theia and Apollo turned their heads to look at her from their large enclosure.