Photo: Symbol Of Pride Bald Eagles Homer Alaska USA

A symbol of strength, pride and in this case unity, in the USA - two bald eagles (an adult and juvenile) sit side by side on an old tree stump along the beach in Homer, Alaska with the waters of Kachemak Bay in the background.

Often a bird intolerant of others of its kind especially the juveniles, it is unusual to see two bald eagles perched together, in perfect harmony and almost synchronized in action rather than scrapping over food or a place to perch.

To many Americans the bald eagle is a symbol of national pride and strength - a patriotic symbol of the nation. It is actually the national bird of the US.

A large bird of prey, bald eagles can reach a body mass of between 3 to 7 kilograms (which equates to between 6.5lb to 15.4lb), while reaching between 71cm - 106cm (between 28inches to 42 inches) in body length. It's impressive wing span of between 183 to 234 centimetres (72 to 92 inches) allows it glide effortlessly on thermal currents.

By the late 20th century bald eagle numbers had declined so much that it was listed as an endangered species (in the lower 48 of the US) however, after extensive conservation ... continue below the picture...

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... efforts and protection, the eagles were reclassified as threatened until in June 2007 when the species was removed from the list altogether and are now a species of least concern.

While adult bald eagles exhibit a white head and tail with a brown body which contrasts with its bright yellow beak and talons, the plumage of a juvenile is brown with specks of white, and while the talons are bright yellow as in the adults, their beak is brown/black.

A young (brown head) and an older bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, sitting on an old tree stump in front of a blue water background.