An Eagle Deserves High Honor
**Bald Eagle Appreciation Days are January 20th-21st. (I’m a few days early – see note at the end.)
From the Native Hope website:
“Each type of feather represents something different. The eagle’s feather, however, is one of the most esteemed. In Native culture, the eagle is considered the strongest and bravest of all birds. For this reason, its feathers symbolize what is highest, bravest, strongest, and holiest. It has strong medicine.”
The American Eagle Foundation is committed to protecting eagles and educating others. Check out their live eagle cams! I used to love watching these in school with my students.
Birds Deserve Respect
Native Hope continues, “United States law recognizes the unique significance of eagle feathers in Native American culture, religion, and tradition. The eagle is a highly protected creature under U.S. law, but special exceptions are made to allow Native Americans to possess, pass down, gift, and acquire eagle feathers within specific conditions.”
The American Eagle Foundation explains the Bald Eagle Protection Act as well as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. (see their page for the best photo of an eaglet protected by mama!
Do Eagles Migrate?
According to the Bird Fact website, “Many Bald eagles do migrate across the USA, Canada, and some of Central America – they are described as partially migratory. Once a Bald eagle finds a mate and establishes a territory, it needs a good reason to leave.”
More Info about the Migratory Bird Act
Learn more about the Migratory Bird Act HERE. The Federal Register lists birds like bitterns, crows, sparrows, doves, and ducks. You can read the alphabetical list HERE. (scroll down to the chart)
Herons migrate and can be found in Florida as well as central New York, in the Finger Lakes region.

Herons Migrate
Here are some links to more information about Herons and migration:
Lakota Values
Indigenous people value a close relationship with our earth, or Unci Maka (Lakota for Grandmother Earth). As stewards of our earth, we should be mindful to live in reciprocity, respect, and honor here on Turtle Island and around the world.
Birds Spark Curiousity
Why am I posting about Eagles and Herons today? It’s a combination of reasons: the Ultimate Blog Challenge prompt for yesterday and today made me look for a favorite photo. My heron photo popped into my mind. But I didn’t know what to write about. I waited. Today’s prompt had me researching a day in history. I found “Bald Eagle Appreciation Days” for January 20-21st. Close enough! My curiosity helped me find a connection between eagles and herons – Acts of Congress – and learned something new today.
Curiosity makes researching and writing a breeze. And the combination of eagles + herons + protecting eggs sparked two new story ideas! Look for them in my future books.
Keep learning and researching things that make you wonder!
Andrea
8 thoughts on “Bald Eagle (and Heron) Appreciation Day (UBC Day 17)”
I’ve never seen an eagle. I have to be more observant.
I hope you see one soon. Check out some eagle cams – they’re incredible!
My cousin owns, and runs, — Ravensbeard Wildlife Center in New York State, we’ve been birded so to speak.c It’s where Rocky went after his ride to Rockerfella Center a few years ago. Thank you for this wonderful informative post. I live in Allentown, PA and have been able to photograph a beautiful heron on my morning walk.
I’ll have to look into Ravensbeard. Thanks!
I love this. My son is an Eagle Scout, and I can see now how the rank is appropriately named for bravery. Also, I agree about how learning and researching should always be a high priority. It keeps our minds active and makes us more interesting. Great post!
We went to our nephew’s Eagle Scout ceremony years ago and I was impressed with the statistics of fine leaders who were Eagle scouts. You must be proud of your son.
OMG I missed this memo about Eagle and Heron day! I love them both and we have so many Blue Herons in SC. Beautiful shot! My post is about birds too, but bluebirds and a hawk!
Hi- you haven’t missed Eagle day – I blogged early about it and it included herons. I’ll check your post out soon.