However, not so long ago, the bald eagle, the only eagle native to North America, was on the brink of extinction, seemingly following the path of extinct creatures that once dominated the Earth.

Instead, Franklin proposed the turkey as America’s national bird, arguing that it was brave, intelligent, and uniquely American. While the turkey had its supporters, the bald eagle ultimately ...

The lucky bird was destined to be Christmas dinner ... president to use the word pardon when talking about the National Thanksgiving Turkey in 1987 — albeit jokingly. At the National ...