COLUMBUS – As millions of Americans are participating in the 2020 U.S. Census this year, another type of census completed with the help of citizen scientists has been conducted in recent months to track a species of wildlife in Ohio that also is a national patriotic symbol for the U.S.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife reports that 707 bald eagle nests have been confirmed in Ohio from thousands of reports compiled by citizen scientists during February and March.
The nest census was the first undertaking to discover all such sites for the first time in eight years.
The bald eagle is one of Ohio’s greatest wildlife success stories, as the census results show an increase of 151 percent from the 2012 census, when 281 nests were recorded in Ohio, ODNR officials said. The high number of nests represents the hard work and dedication put forth for Ohio’s wildlife.
In Logan County, eight bald eagle nests were identified this year, compared to just one nest that was located during the census in 2012, according to the ODNR data. Eight nests also were confirmed in Union County, an increase from four nests in the previous census, along with nine nests identified in Hardin County, an increase in eight nests since the 2012 study.
“The bald eagle is a symbol of American strength and resilience,” Governor Mike DeWine said in the release. “The eagle’s comeback in Ohio and across the country proves that we can overcome any challenge when we work together.”
“We are grateful to every Ohioan who contributed to this effort and thank those who support conservation of high-quality habitat that kept eagles nesting in Ohio,” Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said.
The Division of Wildlife received approximately 2,500 reports from the public for the 2020 census. Wildlife staff, including wildlife officers and biologists, verified nest locations in 85 counties.
Counties along or near Lake Erie have the highest number of bald eagle nests. Bald eagles thrive near Lake Erie because of the abundance of food and nesting habitat. The 12 counties with the highest number of eagle nests include: Ottawa (90), Sandusky (50), Erie (32), Trumbull (26), Seneca (24), Wyandot (19), Lucas (18), Licking (17), Ashtabula (16), Knox (16), Mercer (16) and Wood (16).
The bald eagle was once an endangered species, with only four nesting pairs in Ohio in 1979. However, thanks to partnerships between the Division of Wildlife, Ohio zoos, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, concerned landowners, and sportsmen and women its population increased.
After much hard work and continued conservation, the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2007 and from Ohio’s list in 2012.
ODNR officials said excellent viewing opportunities can be found at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area (Lucas and Ottawa counties), Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area (Sandusky County), Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (Lucas and Ottawa counties), Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area (Trumbull County) and Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area (Wyandot and Marion counties). In southern Ohio, eagle nests are found near major rivers such as the Muskingum, Hocking, Scioto and Great Miami.
Bald eagles in Ohio typically lay eggs and incubate in February and March. Young eagles leave the nest about three months later, usually in June. The birds nest in large trees such as sycamores, oaks, and cottonwoods near large bodies of water. Fish and carrion are preferred foods.
The bald eagles are protected under both state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It is illegal to disturb bald eagles. When viewing these majestic birds, remember to respect the bird’s space and stay at least 100 yards away from the bird or nest. Disturbing bald eagles at the nest site could lead the pair to abandon the eggs.
As with many of Ohio’s native wildlife species, bald eagles require specific habitat conditions to thrive. Bald eagle habitat protection and research is funded by the sale of bald eagle conservation license plates, income tax check-off donations to the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund and sales of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. Learn how to support Ohio’s wildlife like the bald eagle at wildohio.gov/support.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.