05 October 2012

Belled Eagle Resided at Maine for Years

A Bald Eagle with a bell attached around its neck survived for years in Maine during the 1880s.

It was first reported in August 1880, with a short report in the city news column: "The bald-headed eagle with a bell about its neck that frequents Hockomock has again been seen."

A longer, more descriptive account was issued four years later: "A white headed eagle measuring about seven feet from tip to tip of wings, with a dinner bell some three inches wide and six inches long fastened about his neck and flying close to the house tops, engaged the attention of Winnegance folks last Sunday."

The date was September 21, 1884.

Both sites are in Sagadahoc County, Maine, with the reports both in the Bath Independent newspaper.