The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is asking the public for help locating bald eagle nests here in the Mahoning Valley as well as other parts of the state.

As part of a statewide census, residents are asked to report nest locations online at wildohio.gov until March 16.

One local hotspot for eagle-watching is the Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area. According to a census taken in 2020, Trumbull had 26 nests, ranking fourth among Ohio’s 85 counties were nests were seen

The Division of Wildlife uses the data to track eagle population trends and ensure the species continues to thrive in Ohio.  The state’s bald eagle population has rebounded dramatically in recent years.  The 2020 census found 707 nests, up from just four nesting pairs in 1979.

“By reporting bald eagle nest locations, wildlife watchers help Division of Wildlife biologists understand eagle population dynamics and monitor trends,” the ODNR said in a news release.

Bald eagles typically nest in large trees near water, such as sycamores, beeches, oaks, and cottonwoods, favoring rivers, wetlands, and lakes.  Winter, with its lack of foliage, makes spotting the birds easier.  Courtship and nest building begin in January and February, with egg laying and incubation typically occurring in February and March.

In 2020, Ottawa County led the state with 90 nests.  Nests were found in all but three counties: Jackson, Lawrence, and Meigs. Even metropolitan counties like Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Summit had nests.

The counties with the most active eagle nests during the 2020 census were:

  • Ottawa (90)
  • Sandusky (50)
  • Erie (32)
  • Trumbull (26)
  • Seneca (24)
  • Wyandot (19)
  • Lucas (18)
  • Licking (17)
  • (tie) Ashtabula, Knox, Mercer, and Wood (16)

The ODNR suggests looking for eagles near bodies of water.  Prime viewing locations include Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, East Harbor State Park, Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area, Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area, and Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area.  In southern Ohio, the Muskingum, Hocking, Scioto, and Great Miami rivers are good places to look.

Adult bald eagles are easily identifiable by their white heads and tails. Immature eagles have mottled brown and white plumage.  The ODNR recommends using binoculars or spotting scopes for long-distance viewing.

Bald eagles are protected by state and federal law.  It is illegal to disturb them, and viewers should stay at least 100 yards away from nests.

The bald eagle’s resurgence in Ohio is attributed to conservation efforts by the Division of Wildlife, zoos, wildlife rehabilitators, landowners, and conservationists.  The species was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2007 and from Ohio’s list in 2012.

Funding for bald eagle habitat protection and research comes from the sale of bald eagle conservation license plates, income tax check-off donations, and sales of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.  Hunting and fishing license sales also contribute.