Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest
In the spring of 2007 a pair of American bald eagles built a nest just off of County Road 800 West in Greene County. The eagle, which is the national symbol of the United States, has been in danger of extinction but is making a comeback.
The bald eagle is the only eagle unique to North America. Bald is an English word, which comes from the word piebald, and refers to the white head and tail feathers that contrast with the darker body. The distinctive white head and tail feathers appear only after the bird is four to five years old.
Although eagles had been nesting in Greene County in recent years, this pair of eagles was the first to build a nest that was so easily seen by the public. The birds require large tall trees for nesting as the nest is about six feet in diameter and weighs hundreds of pounds. A nest is often re-used year after year as long as it is not disturbed. Bald eagles mate for life and usually return to nest within 100 miles of where they were raised. The female normally lays one to three eggs once a year. The eggs usually hatch in 35 days.
The America bald eagle is protected by Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits commercial trapping and killing of the birds.
This information was used with permission from the Linton-Stockton School Corporation.
