If the Bald Eagle was picked as a poster bird for the lead shot restrictions, then the people who picked it new very little about what Bald Eagles ate. Mainly they are carrion eaters, and fish eaters. Not like their cousin the Golden Eagle a true hunter. The Bald Eagle was picked because it is our national symbol, so who better to pick for it.
As far as the other raptors increasing in numbers it is mainly due to the ban on shooting them, although West Nile Virus is taking quite a few.
The only raptors capable of getting lead poisoning are the ones capable of catching ducks and that would leave only the Prairire Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Gyr Falcon and possibly the Goshawk.
It's a shame that we have little to say when the law makers pass such laws with little known facts that are presented to them. An example would be the ban on bear hunting in New Jersey 2 years ago during an election year. The topic was brought up about letting a hunt on that they desperatly needed in the state according to the biologists. Nothing was done during the election because of votes. After the election, the new governor nixed it becasue of the animal lovers that voted for him. So why have biologists on hand to pay them for their work when what they say is not heard. The lead banning is the same, except now it is Federal law. I quess they should know, right? Don't think so.
