I probably should have saved today’s Wild Fact for Independence Day since the Bald Eagle is the symbol for the United States of America but I couldn’t wait another year to talk about this majestic bird.  I am almost positive that all of you have at least seen a picture of the Bald Eagle whether you are American or not.  If you want to see one in person than your best bet is to hang out near large bodies of open water in Canada, USA and Northern Mexico.  That really narrows down your search range doesn’t it!

The Bald Eagle doesn’t like to live near large bodies of water just to brag about having a waterfront home.  No sir, they depend on the plentiful fish species that can be found swimming around these waterbodies.  This magnificent bird is very proficient at using their large talons to capture fish out of the water.  Of course you can’t survive solely on a diet of fish, well I guess you could but why would you want to when there is plenty of roadkill to feast on as well.  That’s right, the Bald Eagle is also a scavenger of carrion and has been known to steal kills from other animals.  Actually it was this thieving behaviour that caused Ben Franklin to protest against naming the Eagle as USA’s National Symbol.

Well I have held off long enough so let’s move onto my biggest pet-peeve about the Bald Eagle. By now I am sure you have all heard the famous Bald Eagle call.  I am here to tell you that the Eagle sound you normally hear on TV is completely and utterly wrong.  Hollywood has used the sound of the Red-Tailed Hawk to make the Bald Eagle sound more powerful than it actually is.  I know you may not believe me so please listen to both recordings I have included below.  The first one is the Red-Tailed Hawk while the second is the Bald Eagle.  Which one sounds more impressive and powerful to you?

So now do you believe me? I still can’t believe that Hollywood would try to deceive so many people into thinking…..wait…. what am I talking about, of course I believe Hollywood would be corrupt like that. At least now you will look incredibly intelligent to your friends when you tell them that it is actually a Red-Tailed Hawk you are hearing during the opening credits of the Colbert Report.

Now that I got that pet-peeve off of my chest I guess I can get back to my evening activities.  Thanks for reading and have a great night!