![By Ken Thomas (KenThomas.us (personal website of photographer)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://markavery.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/800px-Wild_Turkey-27527-2.jpg)
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the USA instead of the actual choice of the bald eagle. He wrote to his daughter thus:
“For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.
“With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country…
“I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America… He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.”
![By Mary Lynn Stephenson (Collection of Mary Lynn Stephenson) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://markavery.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/800px-Bald_Eagle_Kodiak_Alaska.jpg)
As so many countries have the Eagle as a symbol,USA should not feel shamed by the antics of the Bald Eagle. The Roman armies always knew that they would win the battle if an Eagle flew over them but if it was an Owl they would loose. 3 male lions are just as much scavengers taking food from the lionesses as the Bald Eagle. Shame we did not pick a Hen Harrier for our symbol!! Happy Xmas to every one.
All in all I’d say the Bold Eagle is a fitting emblem for America.
A good read on Christmas morning. Happy Christmas to you Mr Avery.
I have to agree with Barry given Americans recent behaviour on the world stage of robbing other countries of their natural resources then the Bald Eagle is very apt. However I do have to also say I saw a while back on You Tube, a wild Turkey that every time it would see someone dressed in “camo” clothing would promplty attack the person so Mr.Franklin was right about the turkey, however he’s wrong about the Bald Eagle, the ones i watched were quite happy to fish for themselves.
I just knew you would blog today,presumably one prepared earlier.Think it is a pride thing and sure your readers appreciate all your efforts.
Thanks for all your blogs particularly those that are posted out of what could be called office hours.
Dennis – i just knew you would comment today. Thank you for all your comments on this day and every day. Happy Christmas!
Mark,thank you,have always considered it a privilege to read and comment on your blog appreciating your wide knowledge,humour and wit.