If it's too noisy, then fly the coop

IT TAKES enormous conceit and audacity to complain about a majestic, albeit noisy, local bald eagle family, as Scot Lehigh recently did ("Fly, little birdie, please fly," Op-ed, Aug. 13).

The bald eagle has been under federal protection as an endangered species since as early as 1940. It was only just over a year ago, in June 2007, that this extraordinary bird's population recovered sufficiently in the United States that it could be removed from the list of threatened and endangered species. Bald eagles are lucky to be alive wherever they roost.

Mr. Lehigh has the privilege of "island property" in a place that has belonged to the wildlife for far longer than it has belonged to him.

Can't take the wilderness? Then get out of the woods.

SARA JANE KAMINSKI
Boston