Bald eagles, like other eagles worldwide, had been seen by many as symbols of strength, courage, freedom and immortality for generations. And, unlike other eagles, the bald eagle was indigenous only to North America. Some eagles have become notable in American history.

The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 668-668d) doesn't prohibit taking pictures, it only prohibits disturbing Bald Eagles. (And any “taking” - feathers, corpses, even discarded egg shells.)

Adult Bald Eagles have white heads and tails with dark brown bodies and wings. Their legs and bills are bright yellow. Immature birds have mostly dark heads and tails; their brown wings and bodies are mottled with white in varying amounts. Young birds attain adult plumage in about five years.

The Bald Eagle was once a relatively abundant species across North America, but it suffered an alarming decline in the 1950s and 1960s due to the widespread use of the toxic pesticide DDT. In response, the federal government banned the use of DDT in 1972.