February/March 2015

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Northern Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
washingtoniensis

Bald eagles are “fish eagles.” They are in this classification because their main source of food is fish. They will also eat smaller birds, other bird’s eggs and small animals like rabbits, reptiles, amphibians and crabs. Since bald eagles only eat meat, this makes them carnivores.

Bald eagles make large nests from sticks, grass, feathers, moss and cornstalks in which to lay their eggs. The largest bald eagle nest on record was found in St. Petersburg, Florida. It was 9.5 feet across and 20 feet deep. It weighed over 4,000 pounds! Bald eagles can live up to 28 years in the wild. There are currently over 10,000 bald eagles in North America.

Did you know...?

• The Great Seal of the United States features a bald eagle.
• The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.
• Female bald eagles are larger than male bald eagles.
• The bald eagle was added to the list of endangered species in the United States in 1967, and its numbers have recovered well since. Can you do some research to find out why they have been recovering?
• Bald eagles have a massive wingspread of about 7 feet.
• In the nest, the female bald eagle will lay one to three eggs.

Children, Nature and You Resources to help you give the children you influence the awe and wonder that only the natural world can inspire

Freeport Park District Information on all the Freeport parks

Freeport Public Library More than books on a shelf...visit the Freeport Public Library

Freeport Outdoor Experience Events located in Freeport and Stephenson County

Getting Kids Involved (The Cornell Lab of Ornithology) Includes bird information, tips, and more for kids and families

Jane Addams Recreation Trail Ride or Hike the beautiful Jane Addams Trail

Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots A program of the Jane Goodall Institute offering a variety of programs and resources

NASA Climate Kids to tell the story of our changing planet through the eyes of NASA missions studying Earth and provides games, activities, and articles that make climate science accessible and engaging for children

National Audubon for Kids provides resources for classroom curriculum, DIY activities, and bird activities for children at home

National Wildlife Federation Many family-friendly articles; Ranger Rick family magazine

Resource Guide Supplement to Last Child in the Woods Designed for parents, teachers, and community leaders to help them encourage children’s enjoyment of the great outdoors.

Severson Dells Nature Center Located near Rockford, IL.

Sierra Club Outdoors The program's goal is to give every child in America an outdoor experience.

World Migratory Bird Day Learn about the importance of migratory birds and how to celebrate birds any day of the year!