Narrator: As fall arrives, a cycle of seasons is completed. Once again the Mississippi becomes a crossroads for waterbirds.

For this year’s fledgling eagles, the time has come for the next big test.

It’s a big moment for a young bald eagle to bag his first coot.

The bald eagle is a survivor. It’s gone through really bad times and now is prevailing. It’s an illustration that we can make a difference and we can be stewards of this planet.

With food so plentiful, bald eagles, young and old, switch from hunting to something more like rugby.

Only one human generation ago, such a celebration of eagles could not have been witnessed on the Mississippi.

Neil Rettig: I think the story of the American eagle is a great parallel to the triumph and tribulations of our country. And if we look at the eagle as a role model, I think these birds are kind of living a struggle for existence and freedom just like our country. I can’t think of a better national symbol than the bald eagle.

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