Incomparable for their grace, strength and beauty, eagles have been admired throughout the ages. Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans adopted the eagle as a symbol of earthly power and divine right. Native Americans revered our own native bald eagle for its power and keen eyesight. They coveted its feathers for headdresses and other ceremonial objects. And, of course, in 1782 the bald eagle was chosen as our national symbol. The bald eagle's power and beauty impress us today, inspiring the legions of citizens who have helped to rescue this magnificent bird from the dark days of the 1960s, when the eagle's numbers in the lower forty-eight states had dwindled to fewer than 1,000 nesting birds and the bald eagle was declared an endangered species. Excerpted from Return of the Eagle: How America Saved Its National Symbol by Greg Breining All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
