Celebrating the Recovery and Resilience of America’s Iconic National Bird but Also Warning Against the Dangers Facing the Bald Eagle

Boston, MA – Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed June 20th, 2025, as Bald Eagle Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, honoring our iconic, national bird and highlighting the importance of continued conservation efforts across the state. The proclamation “urge(s) all the residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.” To see the complete proclamation, go here.

Bald Eagle Day serves as an opportunity to recognize the recovery of the bald eagle, once on the brink of extinction, and to celebrate the enduring symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience that the species represents. The observance also aims to raise awareness of ongoing environmental challenges and the critical role of wildlife protection in maintaining Massachusetts’ natural heritage.

After 40 years of proactive intervention by humans, there are around 100 nesting pairs in Massachusetts, but the bald eagle remains on the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) list, categorized as a “species of special concern”. There are numerous threats to the species, and one of them is the use of dangerous rodenticides. Since 2021, there have been four confirmed rodenticide-related bald eagle deaths in eastern Massachusetts. One of these bald eagles was a much-cherished, fierce female named MK, who made her home in Arlington, Massachusetts. At the time of MK’s death, there was such an outpouring of support that she became the face of this movement for many.

According to Keshia D. Lawrence, a member of the Ramapough Munsee and the Harvard Forest Indigenous Education Specialist, “The acknowledgment and creation of Bald Eagle Day in Massachusetts sets a critical tone for restoration efforts and care. As an Indigenous person, every day is dedicated to protecting and respecting the sovereignty of our more-than-human relatives, and the reciprocity they teach us. Bald Eagle Day is an honoring and testament to the continued relationship we have to this keystone species.”

In an effort to protect the bald eagle and other species, Save Lexington Wildlife joins around 90 other groups across the Commonwealth in working to reduce or restrict the use of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs). In addition to municipal policies and home rule petitions, groups provide public education on the dangers of these poisons and alternative strategies and products. To date, at least 35 cities and towns have reduced the use of SGARs on municipal property, and there are 18 municipalities that have filed (or will soon file) home rule petitions to request authority to restrict SGARs on private property. There is also legislation at the State House (H.965/S.644), a legal petition to the MDAR Pesticide Subcommittee, and a request to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The state is currently conducting a scientific review of the impacts of rodenticides on the environment and human health. In addition, the first intertribal Indigenous Impact Statement has been submitted to MDAR, highlighting cultural, spiritual, and ecological concerns around the role of SGARs and other toxins in avian relatives/ life.  The residents of Massachusetts understand the importance of this iconic species and want to protect it for generations to come.

To mark the day, Save Lexington Wildlife is hosting an event in Lexington and encourages all other communities in Massachusetts to do the same. Save Lexington Wildlife hopes to elevate the importance and the dangers to this iconic bird.


For more information on the bald eagle’s success story in Massachusetts, visit  Spot Light on Bald Eagles and Learn About Bald Eagles. For more information on the dangers of rodenticides, please see Wildlife and Rodenticide. To learn how to join the effort, see A Campaign to Rescue Raptors. To learn more about Save Lexington wildlife and the event, go to Save Lexington Wildlife. Finally, to learn more about the history and significance of Bald Eagle Day, go here.

More info: https://savelexingtonwildlife.org/