The Loveliest Village

Spirit is a bald eagle that has been in the care of Auburn’s Southeastern Raptor Center for the past few years. On Saturday, it will fly in front of more than 87,000 fans to represent not only the spirit of Auburn, but something else. This week, Spirit will be flying to honor the conservation groups across the nation that have helped the bald eagle be removed from the endangered species list.

The national bird was placed on the endangered species list after its population dropped dangerously low. In fact, in 1963 there were only approximately 400 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. The extinction of the bald eagle would have been a huge blow to the ecosystems that it inhabits, as well as to the nation.

Conservation groups across America started to find ways to protect these majestic birds and they have succeeded. The biggest threat to bald eagles was not other animals, because the bald eagle has few, if any, natural enemies. Humans were the only true threat to the survival of the bald eagle. The pesticide DDT, which weakened the shells of eagle eggs decimated the eagle population. After DDT was banned, the bald eagle was added to the endangered species list. Even though the species will no longer be protected by the Endangered Species Act, it will still be protected through other laws and rules regarding it as a national symbol.

“This is just great,” Former Student Recruiter Ben Bonner said. “Auburn’s tradition of flying the eagle before games has meant so much to so many, it is great that now the people behind the eagle can be recognized. War Eagle!”

Spirit will fly after a  presentation by US Fish and Wildlife Service officials, the original founders of the Southeastern Raptor Center and Rep. Mike Hubbard.

So when you see Spirit fly this weekend before Auburn’s game against Ole Miss, remember the hard working people behind the scenes. If it wasn’t for them, we may not have had an eagle left to fly.

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