The Bald Eagle was declared endangered in 1967 when barely more than 400 breeding pairs were left in the continental United States. There now are about 11,000 breeding pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

Bald eagles have made a comeback in Texas. They were relatively common nesters in the Panhandle, northeast, central and coastal parts of Texas through the early 20th century. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the 1971 state population was just four pairs. Since then, eagles have repopulated the state on their own, multiplying to 160 pairs in 2005. Regular nesting occurs along East Texas rivers and major reservoirs and the Panhandle and Edwards Plateau are also being recolonized. The highest concentrations of nests are found on Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Livingston and Conroe reservoirs where man-made habitat has replaced some of the lost historical habitat.

For information on the Bald Eagle's status in each state, go to www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd.

To watch some awesome video of the bald eagle soaring again, go to www.fws.gov.