Dayton Area Home to American Icon

Next to the American flag one of the most popular images that portrays American patriotism is that of the Bald Eagle. Though no longer on the endangered species list it is a federal offense to kill a bald eagle. Most American Bald Eagles are found along the West coast, specifically in Alaska, Canada and as far south as Mexico. They have also been on the "threatened list" in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

And we have four right here in the Dayton area, near Wright Patterson Air Force Base!

 Bald Eagles, by Ron Alvey from the Dayton Daily Newswebsite

Living on the Dayton/Riverside boarder I've had frequent occasion to drive Harshman Road between Airway and Rte. 4. Just at the northern-most entrance of Eastwood Metropark I frequently see 5-10 people at a time huddling at the edge of the park, facing the Air Force base from dawn until dusk with binoculars and cameras. I always wondered what they were looking at. Birds never crossed my mind because I was more interested in whether they were looking for aliens or unidentified flying objects!!

Lo and behold, I pulled into the park one day and saw signs for the bird watching area. I thought it was interesting that they had their own area but I know bird watching is popular. It never occured to me there would be Bald Eagles there...until I saw today's paper with an article describing how people are violating the laws, trespassing, and encroaching upon the habitat of the eagles.

I'm glad the story broke partly because now I'm informed about something that has piqued my curiosity for months, and because there needs to be public awareness both celebrating and protecting these precious creatures.

Comments

[Amanda77]

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[Matt]

Thanks for the tip!