Bald Eagle Awareness Week: The Morning Show Interview
by Phil McIlrath, KDLT News
February 25, 2011 8:03 AM
This morning was truly an experience of a lifetime for me, as well as for the staff of KDLT News Today as we were little more than a few feet away from one of the most majestic birds of prey in the Country. Katie Burns, a raptor specialist, with The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesotan joined us on the show this morning with a very handsome fella, Gladdie and gave us some great information on this beautiful bird.
In 2007, bald eagles were taken off the endangered species list because their population numbers have risen sharply over the last 30 years, however, they are still a highly protected species. Today, illegal shooting of bald eagles is considered the biggest threat to their survival. Other threats include lead poisoning from eating ducks or other animals that have been shot with lead bullets, power line electrocution and habitat loss.
Gladdie, is a male and weighs about 8 pounds, which is about 2 pounds lighter than a female.
For more information on these beautiful birds or to see Gladdie on The Morning Show check out the interview!
Happy Bird Watching!
-Phil McIlrath
