Bald Eagle Timeline: Bird Watchers Take Note

Eagles continued to be killed right up into the 1930s and hunting only slowed when public opinion of the species finally began to shift.

What was behind this shift? Many longtime bird watchers published articles arguing that every raptor species, including eagles, deserved protection. These citizens saw the importance of eagles for their beauty and inherent value. In the quote below, a scientist of the time sounded the alarm about the rapidly declining numbers of bald eagles and asked readers to spread a message of conservation.

1930: Drastic Measures Needed

“Unless drastic measures are taken at once, our hawk and eagle population will be a thing of the past: exterminated . . . because some eagles may occasionally kill lambs. . . . Do not write to [this journal about the eagle question] but make your appeal where it will reach those who do not know the facts.”

Witmer Stone, The Auk (Chicago: American Ornithological Society, 1930) Volume 47, 208-217.

Timeline Tip: Identifying Credible Sources

Books and newspapers are good places to find early observations. Look for authors with first-hand knowledge of the issue. They could be from prominent environmental organizations, scientists in the field, or university researchers. Determine if the observation is clearly written and makes a reasonable argument.

It's important to check the organization sponsoring the information. Look for bias for or against a particular point of view. Biased observations can give you insight into attitudes of the time around the issue. If you include such a quotation in your own timeline, be sure to provide context explaining the point of view of the author.