Ohio’s bald eagle population continues to grow — particularly in southwest

On Apr 22, 2021

Ohio’s bald eagle population continued to grow in 2020, officials with the state’s Division of Wildlife said. “Clearly the bald eagle population is thriving in Ohio,” a report from wildlife officers states, referring to a 2020 census of bald eagle nests found across the area. Our national symbol, the bald eagle displays many outstanding characteristics: exceptional vision, a striking appearance and a commanding presence.Sadly, by the latter half of the 20th century, the bald eagle was classified as an endangered species. Through the diligent efforts of wildlife biologists and a concerned public, the bald eagle population is coming back and is no longer on the federal endangered species list. Its federal and state status is now delisted, but it is still in a federal monitoring stage for five years. It’s now listed as “common” across Ohio.In 1979, only four breeding pairs of bald eagles were reported in Ohio, according to officials with the state’s Department of Natural Resources. In 2020, biologists confirmed 707 bald eagle nests in 85 counties across Ohio, a 150% increase over the 2012 census (281 nests documented in 59 counties).All regions of Ohio saw an increase in the numbers of bald eagle nests, but southwestern Ohio had the greatest increase, jumping 722% from nine to 74 nests.In 2020, the county with the highest total was Ottawa County in northwestern Ohio along Lake Erie, with 90 nests. This county has been the epicenter of bald eagle activity in Ohio since the 1970s. Its proximity to Lake Erie and high concentration of coastal wetland marshes make it an ideal bald eagle habitat.CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORTWhat caused the initial decline in the first place?Habitat destruction and degradation, illegal shooting and the contamination of its food source, due to use of the pesticide DDT, decimated the eagle population.The bald eagle’s stronghold centered around marshes and large bodies of water. Wildlife experts said about 90% of wetland habitats across many Midwestern states have been lost as urban centers expand, meaning our nation’s symbol of boundless freedom was running out of room.”If there’s not enough natural habitat, I would assume that their only option is to make a nest in an urban setting,” biologist Dan Wood said.Wood said there is a way for man and eagle to live together. The key is remembering to respect the majesty of this amazing species — from a distance.Habitat protection afforded by the Endangered Species Act, the federal government’s banning of DDT and conservation actions taken by the American public helped bald eagles make a remarkable recovery across Ohio and the nation.The population within Ohio has been gradually increasing.

CINCINNATI —

Ohio’s bald eagle population continued to grow in 2020, officials with the state’s Division of Wildlife said.

“Clearly the bald eagle population is thriving in Ohio,” a report from wildlife officers states, referring to a 2020 census of bald eagle nests found across the area.

Our national symbol, the bald eagle displays many outstanding characteristics: exceptional vision, a striking appearance and a commanding presence.

Sadly, by the latter half of the 20th century, the bald eagle was classified as an endangered species. Through the diligent efforts of wildlife biologists and a concerned public, the bald eagle population is coming back and is no longer on the federal endangered species list.

Its federal and state status is now delisted, but it is still in a federal monitoring stage for five years. It’s now listed as “common” across Ohio.

In 1979, only four breeding pairs of bald eagles were reported in Ohio, according to officials with the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

In 2020, biologists confirmed 707 bald eagle nests in 85 counties across Ohio, a 150% increase over the 2012 census (281 nests documented in 59 counties).

All regions of Ohio saw an increase in the numbers of bald eagle nests, but southwestern Ohio had the greatest increase, jumping 722% from nine to 74 nests.

In 2020, the county with the highest total was Ottawa County in northwestern Ohio along Lake Erie, with 90 nests. This county has been the epicenter of bald eagle activity in Ohio since the 1970s. Its proximity to Lake Erie and high concentration of coastal wetland marshes make it an ideal bald eagle habitat.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

What caused the initial decline in the first place?

Habitat destruction and degradation, illegal shooting and the contamination of its food source, due to use of the pesticide DDT, decimated the eagle population.

The bald eagle’s stronghold centered around marshes and large bodies of water. Wildlife experts said about 90% of wetland habitats across many Midwestern states have been lost as urban centers expand, meaning our nation’s symbol of boundless freedom was running out of room.

“If there’s not enough natural habitat, I would assume that their only option is to make a nest in an urban setting,” biologist Dan Wood said.

Wood said there is a way for man and eagle to live together. The key is remembering to respect the majesty of this amazing species — from a distance.

Habitat protection afforded by the Endangered Species Act, the federal government’s banning of DDT and conservation actions taken by the American public helped bald eagles make a remarkable recovery across Ohio and the nation.

The population within Ohio has been gradually increasing.