A bald eagle named Freedom perches on a branch at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, N.J., Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Staff report

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is conducting a statewide bald eagle nest census in 2025 and is requesting the public’s help to locate active eagle nests.

Observers may report bald eagle nest locations at wildohio.gov until Sunday, March 16.

By reporting bald eagle nest locations, wildlife watchers help Division of Wildlife biologists understand eagle population dynamics and monitor trends, ensuring this and other species continue to do well in the Buckeye State.

Ohio’s bald eagle population has increased dramatically in recent years.

During the 2020 census, 707 nests were found in Ohio, with 26 nests reported in Trumbull County. At least one nest was found in every county except Jackson, Lawrence and Meigs. Nests were even recorded in metropolitan counties such as Cuyahoga (three nests) and Summit (five nests).

SPOT BALD EAGLES

Look for eagles near their preferred aquatic habitats such as rivers, wetlands and lakes. Bald eagles in Ohio typically lay eggs and incubate in February and March, nesting in large trees such as sycamores, beeches, oaks and cottonwoods.

Winter provides viewing opportunities for immature bald eagles as well as adults.

The white head and tail of the adult bird contrast sharply with its dark body. An immature bird is more difficult to identify and has a mottled brown and white plumage for four or five years before attaining the recognizable field marks of an adult.

Eagles can be spotted in all 88 Ohio counties. Lake Erie and other large waterbodies host the highest number of eagles because they provide easy access to food resources.

SUPPORT BALD EAGLES

As with many of Ohio’s native wildlife species, bald eagles require specific habitat conditions to thrive.

The bald eagle was once an endangered species, with only four nesting pairs in Ohio in 1979. Thanks to partnerships between the Division of Wildlife, Ohio zoos, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, concerned landowners and conservationists, 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.

Bald eagles are protected under both state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to disturb bald eagles. When viewing these majestic birds, remember to respect the bird’s space and stay at least 100 yards away. Disturbing bald eagles at the nest site could lead the pair to abandon the eggs.

Bald eagle management by the Division of Wildlife includes habitat conservation with an emphasis on wetlands and wooded river corridors, working with rehabilitators who help injured birds and enforcing state and federal protection.

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. Similarly, revenue derived from hunting and fishing license sales helps the Division of Wildlife expand wildlife areas and manage habitats for eagles and other wildlife.

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. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.