Bald Eagles are only found in North America. Before 1800, their numbers were estimated at a quarter of a million for the lower forty-eight states. Bald Eagle populations started to decline in the 1800's and continued to decline until the mid-1970's. By 1963, there were only 417 nesting pairs in the lower forty-eight states. Bald Eagle numbers declined for numerous reasons including illegal shooting, poisoning, pesticides, habitat destruction, and the collection of their feathers and body parts. Bald Eagles used to be thought of as pests. They were, at one time, accused of preying on livestock and competing with fisherman. Since they were thought of as pests, they were shot on sight. Today, these accusations have been proven to be mostly false, but illegal shooting is still an issue for the Bald Eagle. Where do eagles live today?

For most of the 1980's Bradford Woods was the wintering place for several Bald Eagles. At times up to five eagles could be seen roosting in the trees around the lake. Something wonderful happened in January 1994... a pair of Bald Eagles started to build a nest. Both the male and female were eagles that had been raised and released by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Their unofficial names were General Patton and Rainbow. In 1994 they both worked on building the nest, but they did not lay any eggs. The following year they were successful in raising two male chicks, Riley and Bradford. Again in 1996-2005 they were successful in raising one male chick, Riley II. (The first Riley was found dead in September 1994, he had been electrocuted by a power line.) Bald Eagles usually mate for life, but in 1997 something very unique happened. Rainbow and General Patton got a divorce! General Patton did successfully raise one chick with another female in the area. The new female was also a tagged bird, and her unofficial name is Louann. They currently live on a lake about one mile from Bradford Woods. Rainbow also found a new mate. He is a wild eagle who is a few years younger than her. They stayed on the lake at Bradford Woods, the Ol' Swimmin Hole. They did not raise any chicks in 1997, but they spent the time getting to know each other. Hopefully both pairs will be able to successfully raise the next generation of "Bradford eagles."