Bald Eagle Stamps (North American Wildlife Series, Bird, Multicolored) Vintage Unused USPS Postage 22c

Part of the North American Wildlife series, this vintage postage stamp depicts a Bald Eagle, one of the most iconic and revered birds in North America. This stamp shows a Bald Eagle in its natural environment, showcasing its distinctive white head and yellow beak. The design captures the majestic flight of the Bald Eagle with its powerful wings spread wide, soaring against a backdrop of blue skies and clouds. This unused 22-cent gummed stamp celebrates the North American continent's rich biodiversity, showcasing this species in its typical environment, emphasizing the importance of habitat in wildlife conservation. 

The Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a large bird of prey native to North America, renowned for its majestic appearance, soaring flight, and symbolic significance. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America and is associated with strength, freedom, and resilience. Its distinctive white head and tail feathers give it the "bald" look, although its head is actually covered in feathers. The rest of its body is covered in dark brown feathers, with a bright yellow beak and sharp talons. The Bald Eagle has incredible vision, able to see clearly over distances of several miles, which aids it in hunting. Known for its powerful wings, the Bald Eagle is capable of soaring to great heights, making it one of the most graceful and commanding flyers in the animal kingdom. The Bald Eagle is typically found near large bodies of open water, such as rivers, lakes, and coastal habitats, where it can easily hunt for fish, which is its primary diet. Bald Eagles are often seen soaring in wide, open spaces, gliding effortlessly in the air using thermal updrafts. They are solitary or found in monogamous pairs, and they often build large, impressive nests in tall trees near water. The Bald Eagle was once listed as endangered due to hunting, the use of pesticides, and habitat loss. However, it has made a remarkable recovery in recent decades, and it was officially removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007, thanks to conservation efforts and legal protections.

The Bald Eagle carries profound spiritual significance in many cultures, especially in Native American traditions, where it is often seen as a symbol of strength, freedom, vision, and spirituality. It is also associated with courage, power, and healing. The Bald Eagle is a symbol of strength and courage due to its powerful flight, fierce hunting abilities, and dominant presence in the sky. It represents resilience in the face of challenges, as the species has faced near extinction and come back stronger. The eagle teaches the lesson of overcoming adversity with grace and power. As the national bird of the United States, the Bald Eagle is an enduring symbol of freedom and independence. Its flight over vast expanses of open land represents the liberation of the spirit and the freedom to soar to great heights. In Native American traditions, the Bald Eagle is often associated with spiritual freedom, connecting humans to the divine realm through its flight. The Bald Eagle’s sharp vision makes it a symbol of wisdom and clear sight, both literally and metaphorically. It represents the ability to see things from a higher perspective, to understand truths clearly, and to have the foresight to make wise decisions. In many cultures, the Bald Eagle is considered a spiritual guide, offering clarity and insight during difficult times. The Bald Eagle is often seen as a symbol of healing and protection. In some Native American cultures, the feathers of the eagle are used in healing rituals and are seen as sacred items that bring spiritual strength and protection. The Bald Eagle’s connection to the sun and sky associates it with the life-giving energy of the earth and the protection of the spirit. As a bird that dominates the skies, the Bald Eagle is also seen as a symbol of leadership and authority. It represents the ability to lead with integrity, strength, and wisdom, guiding others with a visionary outlook.

The Bald Eagle is commonly used as a mascot for various organizations, particularly those related to freedom, strength, and leadership. It is especially prominent in military, sports, and conservation organizations. The Bald Eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States, representing the freedom, strength, and independence of the nation. It is featured in numerous national logos, monuments, and government emblems. The Bald Eagle is used by several sports teams and schools, often to symbolize strength, pride, and determination. Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL) and United States Air Force Academy (NCAA) use the Bald Eagle as their mascot to embody these qualities. Many wildlife organizations and environmental groups use the Bald Eagle as a mascot to highlight efforts in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and the protection of endangered species. The Bald Eagle is also used by various military units as a symbol of strength, honor, and leadership. It is a common motif in military insignia and emblems.

This postage stamp has a traditional moisture-activated gum on the back. This means that the stamps required licking or wetting to adhere to envelopes or other surfaces.

On June 13, 1987, the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued the North American Wildlife postage stamp series, a commemorative sheet featuring 50 different gummed 22-cent stamps. This release celebrated the rich diversity of North American fauna, showcasing species from various regions, including Alaska and Hawaii. Renowned wildlife artist Chuck Ripper illustrated the series, capturing the essence of each species with remarkable accuracy and detail. The stamps not only highlight the animals but also incorporate elements of their natural habitats, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation. USPS and The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) originally hoped to represent the State Animal of all 50 states. However, many states do not have a State Animal or share a State Animal with another state. Instead, USPS and CSAC opted to include avifauna, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates from across the continent. Notably, the First Day of Issue ceremony took place at the Canadian Philatelic Exhibition (CAPEX) in Toronto, Canada, marking the third time a U.S. stamp issue had its inaugural event outside the United States. The North American Wildlife stamp series remains a favorite among collectors and nature enthusiasts, serving as a vivid reminder of the continent's rich and varied wildlife heritage.

These unused vintage postage stamps are perfectly suitable for use as current postage for mailing with USPS, as long as you use the adequate amount of postage to achieve standard postage rates according to the weight of your mailing.