The American Bald Eagle has made a real comeback in Ohio since the species was taken off the endangered species list in 2007, and Columbiana County is no exception.

According to a post by Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson on his Facebook page, former Ohio Department of Natural Resources employee Mike West suggested that he make a trip to Highlandtown Lake in Washington Township near Salineville.

Mayor Wilson says he counted 23 Bald Eagles roosting in the pines on the south side on the lake, feeding of fish.

About three-quarters of the birds are adults, a sight Wilson describes as “unbelievable”.

Last year ODNR estimated that there were more than 800 Bald Eagle nests in Ohio, which was an increase of 14% from the previous year.

If you and your family want to see the majestic birds but aren’t close to southern Columbiana County, another popular place to see Bald Eagles is the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in Trumbull County.

Bald eagles are protected under both state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to disturb bald eagles.

ODNR asks people 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.