Return of the bald eagle

 
For the first time in more than 200 years, a pair of bald eagles have nested in Philadelphia, one of the biggest cities in the United States, Pennsylvania State wildlife officials said " This fins is an historic moment that returns some of Pennsylvania's native wildlife to the doorstep of its largest city", Dan Brauning, wildlife diversity supervisor said in a statement. He added the discovery of an eagle nest within Philadelphia city " demonstrates the resilience of this species and its apparent growing tolerance to human activity". Commission officials have declined to reveal the exact location of the nest to avoid any disturbance for the birds. The bald eagle is listed as a "threatened species" by the U.S.Government. But due to active conservation measures, the population of the birds, the most recognizable symbol o the United States, has recovered. If in 1963 there were only 487 active nests in the contiguous 48 States, now the numbers have reached 7,066 breeding pairs.   

(The Hindu, 20th March,2007)