|
AUDUBON'S Birds
White-Headed or Bald Eagle "The figure of this noble bird is well known throughout the civilized world, emblazoned as it is on our national standard, which waves in the breeze of every clime, bearing to distant lands the remembrance of a great people living in a state of peaceful freedom....The great strength, daring, and cool courage of the White-headed Eagle, joined to his unequalled power of flight, render him highly conspicuous aomng his brethren.... Before steam navigation commenced on our western rivers, these Eagles were extremely abundant there, particularly in the lower parts of the Ohio, the Mississippi, and the adjoining streams. I have seen hundreds while going down the mouth of the Ohio to New Orleans, when it was not at all difficult to shoot them. Now, however, their number is consideraly diminished, the game on which they were in the habit of feeding, having been forced to seek refuge from the persecution of man farther in the wilderness. Many, however, are still observed on these rivers, particularly along the shores of the Mississippi." Vol. 1, pp. 57, 62-63. Virtual Exhibits -- Special Collections & Archives -- Nimitz Library -- USNA Comments or Suggestions? |