NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2011

Nesting Eagles at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Closes Trail

OAK HARBOR, OH - A pair of bald eagles have built a nest behind the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area.

To protect the birds and the nest, one loop of the Walking Trail will be closed beginning February 1, 2011 until further notice.  This will eliminate human activity near the nest and give the eagles a good chance of successful nesting.  There will be signs and barricades posted at the trailheads.   The other loop of the Walking Trail will remain open from the Bird Center to the Observation blind. 

Currently there is an eagle nest at Magee Marsh near Turtle Creek and several years ago another pair attempted to nest at Magee near the boardwalk but was unsuccessful.  Bald eagle eggs take a little over a month to hatch, and this new pair at the Bird Center has not laid eggs yet. 

During the winter the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  The trails are open during daylight hours.

-30-

For further information, contact:
Patrick Baranowski
Magee Marsh Wildlife Area
419-898-0960 #30
-or- 
Bob Ford
ODNR Division of Wildlife
District Two
419-424-8361