It is pretty much normal human nature, expressed in many civilizations and cultures.
Flight in general is often symbolic of freedom, and with a bald eagle, a close encounter with one in flight (see my experience posted just above) invokes a simultaneous feeling of freedom, awe and majesty that is striking and quite memorable. My wife, daughter, and I were all "Wowwwwwww!!"
Growing up on a struggling farm the sight of predator birds meant the chickens were in danger.
I’ve lost a puppy and several cats to predator birds.
Maybe those big wind things have redeeming factors.