Endangered National Symbol
Clip: Episode 6 | 31sVideo has Closed Captions
The effect of DDT on the Bald Eagle population in the northeastern U.S. was devastating.
The effect of DDT, a pesticide widely used in the mid-20th century, on the Bald Eagle population in the northeastern United States was devastating. When eagles consumed prey contaminated with DDT, the pesticide accumulated in their bodies over time. As a result, the eagles experienced thinning eggshells, making them more prone to breakage during incubation.
Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...
Endangered National Symbol
Clip: Episode 6 | 31sVideo has Closed Captions
The effect of DDT, a pesticide widely used in the mid-20th century, on the Bald Eagle population in the northeastern United States was devastating. When eagles consumed prey contaminated with DDT, the pesticide accumulated in their bodies over time. As a result, the eagles experienced thinning eggshells, making them more prone to breakage during incubation.
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Our Symbols and Stories
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship- What does it say about a nation who allows their national symbol to go extinct?
Most of the northeastern states, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, New Hampshire, none of them had nesting eagles anymore, because they couldn't produce eggshells that were thick enough, it actually resulted in thinning of their eggshells, thick enough to hatch out their own young, because the female was polluted with DDT.
The American Bald Eagle Preview
Video has Closed Captions
The story of how the Bald Eagle soared to its vaunted perch in American iconography. (31s)
The Bald Eagle Appears in the First Great Seal of the U.S.
Video has Closed Captions
Why did the Founding Fathers decide to use the bald eagle in the Great Seal of the U.S.? (1m 49s)
Bald Eagles Gather in the Pristine Alaskan Ecosystem
Video has Closed Captions
The greatest bald eagle migration on Earth happens in the Alaskan village of Haines. (4m 55s)
The Infamous Bird's 1000 Pound Nest
Video has Closed Captions
This clip features a Bald Eagle's nest that is estimated to weigh around 1000 pounds. (45s)
Restoring and Hacking Bald Eagles in NY
Video has Closed Captions
David talks to Peter Nye, the biologist who saved the bald eagle population in New York. (3m 52s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...