The bald eagle has symbolized America since 1782, when Congress placed one at the center of the Great Seal of the United States. But the bald eagle has only been our national bird since December 24, 2024, making this Fourth of July the first in which he won’t have an invisible asterisk next to his piercing gaze.
Here in New Haven, you aren’t likely to spot an actual bald eagle tomorrow. But you can readily spot some of his many symbolic appearances—as well as those of some of his eagle cousins, who may more closely resemble the less bald specimen conceived for an earlier draft of the Seal.
Written and photographed by Dan Mims. For photo captions with notes and locations, check out the email edition of this story.
