The bald eagle is among the most spectacular birds in our skies, a national symbol, but the debate that elevated the eagle to that status was long and difficult. Some prominent Americans even wanted to name the turkey as the national bird instead! Soon after the colonies declared their independence, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were selected to a committee to create a national seal. They failed to agree on a symbol. Six years later, in 1782, Congress unofficially approved the first Great Seal of the United States, which featured a bald eagle holding an olive branch with one foot and arrows with the other. In 1787, the bald eagle was officially adopted as a national symbol. John J. Audubon, one of America's most prominent bird experts, and Benjamin Franklin were among the chief detractors. For Franklin, it wasn't a matter of appearance, but "character." Franklin said the eastern wild turkey, known for its intelligence, cunning and boldness, was a far better symbol of the United States. In fact, Franklin was critical of the bald eagle for its habit of scavenging for food and stealing from other birds. "You may have seen him perched on some dead tree, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labor of the fishing-hawk, and when that diligent bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to its nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the bald eagle pursues him and takes it from him," Franklin said. Franklin, of course, lost that debate, and the bald eagle has since graced coins, stamps and the Great Seal, which has been altered several times but continues to sport the bald eagle. To learn more, click on one of the following links: National Bird Statutory Protections Regional Breeding Eagle Counts Terms of Use - Copyright 2007 Central Vermont Public Service Copyright photos CVPS, Floyd Scholz U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Web related issues || Site developed by Interactive Media Advertising