No Longer The Varmints Of America: The Great American Eagle
by Raquel Amberson
http://www.roweagle.com
The American eagle, the proud national symbol for the U.S.,
hasn't always received a welcome reception by the nation's
citizens. This bald eagle is an efficient bird of prey was
once thought of as a "varmint" by the early pioneers. The
settlers wanted to destroy these "varmints" that were eating
their fish supply and attacking their domestic animals.
Today, the word varmint, also referred to as raptor, no
longer applies to this graceful bird; however hawks and owls
still hold these stigmatized titles.
After World War II, the pesticide DDT was introduced into
the environment and raptors were seriously affected. DDT
traveled up the food chain as raptors ate other creatures
who had eaten insects. The DDT thinned the shells of bald
eagle eggs and the end result is that our national bird was
placed on the endangered species list.
We all know that there are a large number of conservation
groups that are actively working to restore the balance of
nature and increase the populations of endangered species.
The American Eagle Foundation is one group that is focused
on increasing the numbers of bald eagles. This non-profit
foundation is sponsored by the Dollywood Theme park located
in the heart of America at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The
American Eagle Foundation has its Headquarters at Dollywood
and began operations there in 1985. The Foundation is
dedicated to restoring the eagle population and protecting
wild eagles. Dollywood and the American Eagle Foundation
are the caretakers of over 60 raptors who have been injured
and cannot be re-released into their normal habitat. Some
of these birds participate in an active and successful
breeding program. Hundreds of eaglets, young eagles, have
been released through this breeding program.
"Eagle Mountain Sanctuary" is a Foundation sponsored program
at Dollywood. Millions of people every year visit this
sanctuary to view these grand birds and watch impressive
demonstrations called "Wings of America". As trained eagle
handlers demonstrate daily these birds - such as eagles,
owls, vultures and falcons, the public is gaining insight as
the importance of respecting and preserving this worthy
national bird.
Dolly Parton, founder of Dollywood, is the Foundation's
spokesperson. Traveling cross-country to speak on behalf of
the Foundation's goals, Dolly increases our awareness about
eagle preservation efforts. In recognition of Dolly's work
with this cause and her support of the National Wildlife
Refuge System, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gave Dolly
the prestigious "Partnership Award".
The American Eagle Foundation has a trained eagle named
Challenger who is allowed to fly free and returns to his
handler. Challenger has traveled the country and appeared
at the White House, the State Department and other federal
agencies. He has also flown free at a number of sporting
events such as the World Series. It's time for Americans to
be proud of their national symbol once again.
Submit An Article
Who else wants their Link to be placed here?
Who else wants their Link to be placed here?
|
|
|
