National Save The Eagles Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about eagles and promoting their conservation. This special day honors these majestic birds of prey and advocates for their protection from threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and pollution.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: January 10th annually
- Tagged as: Wildlife conservation, Environmental awareness
- What’s the hashtag?: #SaveTheEaglesDay
- When was it founded?: 2015
- Who founded it?: The local community of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, and the Bergen County Audubon Society
History of National Save The Eagles Day
National Save The Eagles Day originated from a heartwarming story of community action. In 2014, a pair of bald eagles named Alice and Al had been nesting along Overpeck Creek in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey since 2011. When Skymark Development Corporation announced plans to remove the eagles’ nesting tree due to alleged health risks from a nearby landfill, the local community and Bergen County Audubon Society organized the first Save The Eagles Day on January 10, 2015, to protect the eagles’ habitat.
Their efforts were successful, resulting in an agreement to preserve part of the land as an eagle park. Alice and Al continued to nest in the same location for several years, and today a new pair of eagles has made their home in the same nest. What began as a local initiative to save one specific pair of eagles has now expanded into a nationwide day of awareness for eagle conservation.
Timeline
- 1782: The bald eagle is adopted as the official emblem of the United States
- 1978: Bald eagles are declared endangered under the Endangered Species Act
- 2007: Bald eagles are removed from the endangered species list after successful conservation efforts
- 2015: The first National Save The Eagles Day is organized in New Jersey
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 10 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 10 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 10 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 10 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 10 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | January 10 | Thursday |
How National Save The Eagles Day is Observed
People celebrate National Save The Eagles Day in various ways:
- Donating to wildlife sanctuaries and conservation programs
- Organizing community awareness events and educational workshops
- Visiting wildlife reserves to learn about eagles
- Participating in eagle watching activities
- Advocating for policies that protect eagle habitats
- Sharing information on social media to raise awareness
- Creating eagle-friendly spaces in areas where eagles live
Fun Facts About Eagles
- Eagles have eyesight that is approximately eight times better than humans
- Their grip is up to ten times stronger than human grip
- There are more than 60 different species of eagles worldwide
- Bald eagles and golden eagles are the only two species native to the United States
- Golden eagles can reach speeds of 150 mph when diving for prey
- Young bald eagles don’t have white heads; their head feathers turn white later in life
- The classic “eagle screech” often heard in media is actually the call of a red-tailed hawk
Quiz
- What year was the bald eagle removed from the endangered species list?
- How many eagle species exist worldwide?
- Who founded National Save The Eagles Day?
(Answers: 1. 2007, 2. More than 60, 3. The local community of Ridgefield Park, NJ and the Bergen County Audubon Society)
FAQs
What does the American Eagle Foundation do for bald eagles?
The American Eagle Foundation works to keep America’s eagles flying strong and free by caring for non-releasable birds, advocating for bald eagle protection, and managing a Nest Egg Fund for conservation efforts.
What can I do to help protect eagles?
You can support eagle conservation by donating to wildlife organizations, advocating for habitat protection, reporting eagle nest disturbances to wildlife agencies, and ensuring that hunting and fishing activities don’t harm eagles.
Why are eagles important to ecosystems?
As apex predators, eagles help maintain the balance of their ecosystems by controlling populations of their prey species. They also serve as indicators of environmental health, as their presence typically signals a healthy ecosystem.
Importance of National Save The Eagles Day
National Save The Eagles Day reminds us of the critical role these birds play in our ecosystems and cultural heritage. It celebrates the conservation success story of the bald eagle, which was once on the brink of extinction but has now recovered significantly thanks to dedicated protection efforts. The day serves as an opportunity to educate the public about ongoing threats to eagle populations worldwide and inspire action to ensure these magnificent birds continue to soar for generations to come.
Related Observances
- World Wildlife Day (March 3)
- Earth Day (April 22)
- Endangered Species Day (Third Friday in May)
- World Environment Day (June 5)
- International Bird Day (May 4)