Seneca County fifth in number of bald eagle nests

Seneca County's 24 bald eagle nests placed the county fifth in the Ohio. The statewide total found during the late winter survey conducted by citizen scientists for the Ohio Division of Wildlife was 706 confirmed nests. Counties along or near Lake Erie have the highest number of bald eagle nests, according to results of a citizen scientist survey conducted in February and March, according to ODNR. An ODNR news release said bald eagles thrive near Lake Erie because of the abundance of food and nesting habitat. The release said the counties will 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 is one of Ohio's greatest wildlife success stories," the release said. "The nest census was the first undertaking to discover all such sites for the first time in eight years. The results show an increase of 151% from the 2012 census, when 281 nests were recorded in Ohio. The high number of nests represents the hard work and dedication put forth for Ohio's wildlife." "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," said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker in the release. The Division of Wildlife received about 2,500 reports from the public for the 2020 census. Wildlife staff, including wildlife officers and biologists, verified nest locations in 85 counties. The bald eagle was once an endangered species, and only four nesting pairs were found in Ohio in 1979 along the Lake Erie coast. However, partnerships between the Division of Wildlife, Ohio zoos, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, concerned landowners, volunteer eagle nest watchers and sportsmen and women, the population steadily increased over several years. The bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2007 and from Ohio's list in 2012. Today, eagles are a fairly common sight in Seneca County. But other viewing opportunities can be found at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Lucas and Ottawa counties, Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky County, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Lucas and Ottawa counties, Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in Trumbull County and Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Wyandot and Marion counties. Before visiting, check the status of the state nature area to make sure there are no restrictions due to the pandemic. 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. Eagles continue to be protected under state law and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. It remains illegal to disturb bald eagles. When viewing them, it's important 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.