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The Bald Eagle is adopted as the national bird
The US Continental Congress officially adopts the Bald Eagle as the national bird. Interestingly, Benjamin Franklin objected due to the bird's scavenging and predatory nature. Franklin prefered the Turkey as the national bird. bluepage.org -
DDT Invented
The pesticide DDT is invented in a laboratory. It will later cause significant reproductive problems in bald eagles. -
Bald Eagles Disappear from Iowa
The last documented bald eagle nest is found in Kellogg, Iowa. Bald eagles wont be observed nesting in the state for more than 70 years. Photo - Ron Niebrugge -
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Established
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act provides federal protection to many birds, including the bald eagle. -
Dr. Paul Muller Wins Nobel Prize in Medicine for Pioneering Use of DDT as a Pesticide
Use of DDT begins as it is discovered to be an effective insecticide. It is used in the United States to control crop pests and as an anti-mosquito measure, as well as to help combat disease bearing insects worldwide. -
Rachel Carson's Silent Spring Published
Carson's book lays out the case against the use of DDT, detailing how the chemical has effected the entire eagle food chain. The book is often cited as being the impetus for the banning of DDT in the United States. -
The Bald Eagle is Declared an Endangered Species
the bald eagle population fell to endanged levels due to reproductive damage caused by DDT and loss of habitat from agricultural and urban growth. -
DDT is Banned in the United States
Following public reaction to Silent Spring, the EPA bans the use of DDT in the United States. -
Bald Eagles return to Iowa
The first bald eagle nest in over 70 years is discovered in New Albin. The nest produced two eaglets that year. -
The Bald Eagle is Taken Removed from the Endangered Species List
Given it's poplation resurgeance, the bald eagle is moved from endangered to threatened on the protected species list.
