In July 2023, a significant legislative effort began to correct a surprising oversight in U.S. history: the bald eagle’s lack of formal designation as the national bird of the United States. The proposal, which passed unanimously in the Senate through a motion by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, was rooted in the discovery by Preston Cook, a dedicated eagle enthusiast in Wabasha, Minnesota. This small town, famously known as the “Eagle Capital of America,” is home to the National Eagle Center, and boasts a thriving bald eagle population. With the passage of this bill in the House and its subsequent delivery to President Biden for a signature, the bald eagle is set to take its rightful place alongside other national symbols like the oak tree (national tree) and the rose (national flower).
Preston Cook’s fascination with bald eagles began in the 1960s after he viewed the film “A Thousand Clowns,” which inspired him to collect eagle-themed memorabilia. His passion evolved over decades into a remarkable collection of over 40,000 items spanning a wide array of categories, including political pins, art, and even playful objects like Lego sets and eagle-themed apparel. This extensive compilation, which Cook believes is the largest in the United States, largely resides within two warehouses near the Mississippi River. His collection became so expansive that he sought to find a suitable exhibition space, ultimately leading it to the National Eagle Center, solidifying his status as a passionate promoter of the bald eagle’s legacy.
While delving into the history of the bald eagle, Cook was astonished to learn that the bird had never been officially designated as the national bird, a fact that also shocked the staff at the National Eagle Center who had unknowingly perpetuated the myth of the eagle’s national status. Over the years, the bald eagle has been a symbol of America, notably featured on the nation’s great seal since 1782, albeit not without dissent. Prominent among the Founding Fathers was Benjamin Franklin, who famously criticized the choice of the eagle as the national bird, arguing the turkey might be a more respectable symbol. Nevertheless, historians deem his comments as a humorous anecdote rather than a serious proposal.
The introduction of the bill to formalize the bald eagle’s status took shape when Cook shared his concerns with lawmakers in Minnesota. It resonated with a bipartisan group of senators, including Amy Klobuchar, who championed it in Congress. The actual legislation was largely symbolic, amending U.S. code to recognize the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as the national bird, filling an unexpected void in American historic recognition. Cook, noting that this law wouldn’t generate funds or lead to conservation initiatives, expressed satisfaction with creating this correction in the history books, establishing a rightful respect for the bald eagle’s importance.
Expressing his devotion to the bald eagle goes far beyond legislative efforts; it is woven into Cook’s identity. He often dresses in eagle-themed attire including a bow tie, lapel pin, and even suspenders adorned with eagle imagery. Among his prized possessions are buttons from his Army uniform, which he considers the inception of his collecting journey. Even as a lifelong collector, Cook humorously admits to facing resistance from his wife regarding the extent of his collection, navigating a balance between personal passion and household harmony. With her gentle reminders that his eagledom should remain outside their bedroom, the couple maintains a light-hearted dynamic in managing the passion that has defined Cook’s life.
In light of the upcoming formal recognition of the bald eagle as the national bird, Wabasha and the National Eagle Center stand poised to celebrate not just a species but a symbol that embodies American resilience and spirit. As securing the bald eagle’s prestigious title nears fruition, it illustrates a broader acknowledgment of cultural and natural heritage, celebrating what the national bird represents to countless American citizens and in their shared history. The journey led by Cook, emblematic of individual dedication and community pride, affirms the enduring power of symbols and the importance of ensuring their rightful place in the story of a nation.