I’ve been fascinated by bald eagles since I was a kid. One of the first things about bald eagle that intrigued me was the fact that the bald eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. Not all countries designate a national bird or animal, but of the countries that do, none other than the USA has the same listed as both national bird AND animal.

On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the still-current design for the Great Seal of the United States including a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows and a 13-leaf olive branch with its talons. The bald eagle appears on our national seal and is used on the presidential seal and the presidential flag. It is also used in the logos of many federal agencies.

Whether or not you’re an American you can still love the majestic bald eagle. It’s a symbol of power and grace never gets old. May the bald eagle continue to soar on the winds.