Species conservation. Can the bald eagle still soar after it is delisted?

Now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Washington, D.C., is poised to declare victory for the majestic avian by removing the bald eagle from its list of threatened species by a court-ordered deadline of 29 June. Bald-eagle experts agree with the move, although some argue that a small population in the Southwest isn't ready for delisting. Many remain worried, however, about how well new rules to protect the birds will be enforced and the extent to which populations will be monitored. They also call for safeguards to prevent development from encroaching on the birds'remaining habitat.