News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2000

RECORD NUMBER OF BALD EAGLES WINTERING IN OHIO

OAK HARBOR, OHIO -- A record number of bald eagles were observed in Ohio this year as part of the state’s annual mid-winter bald eagle survey, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Wildlife biologists tallied 193 bald eagles in 29 Ohio counties during the two-week survey, surpassing the previous record of 149 in 1998.

The mid-winter bald eagle survey is conducted each January by the Division of Wildlife as part of a nationwide count to determine the wintering bald and golden eagle populations in North America.

"This year's record number and high survey counts over the past several years indicate the nation's symbol continues to gain ground in Ohio," said Mark Shieldcastle, wildlife biologist with the division. "As the breeding population of eagles continues to increase, we can expect the mid-winter surveys to increase as well, because eagles of breeding age remain in the state year-round."

During the two-week survey, observers tallied a record 193 bald eagles taking up winter residency in 29 Ohio counties. The tally includes observations recorded during aerial and ground surveys conducted by division staff and a network of trained volunteers.

The total count included 107 adult bald eagles and 86 immature bald eagles, (those that have not reached breeding maturity and have not acquired the familiar white head plumage.) Golden eagles are very rarely seen in Ohio.

The majority of the adult eagles were observed near nests previously used by the state's breeding eagle pairs, many of which are currently performing courtship rituals and preparing nests for the approaching nesting season. Last year, a record 57 bald eagle pairs nested in the state and raised a record 72 eaglets.

Many of the immature eagles found during the survey were those raised in Ohio nests over the past several years. Other young birds among those observed may be migrants from other states and Canada. Immature eagles that fledge from nests in Canada, Ohio and neighboring states will migrate sporadically from October to January, going as far south as Tennessee, with many returning to the area where they were raised.

Eagles in the Lake Erie marsh region accounted for well over half the total tally with highest numbers reported in Ottawa County with 40 eagles, Sandusky County with 39 eagles, and Erie County with 22 eagles observed. Observers found 142 bald eagles in Ohio during the mid-winter survey last year. Only six bald eagles were observed during the first survey conducted in 1979, the year the Division of Wildlife began the state's bald eagle restoration program.

Bald eagle numbers declined dramatically nationwide during the 1960s and 1970s from habitat loss and the effects of toxic chemicals in the environment. Eagle numbers gradually rebounded after a ban on certain pesticides in 1972, increased protection, wildlife management efforts, wetland restoration projects and strong citizen support.

The Division of Wildlife has taken a four-pronged approach in the state's bald eagle restoration program. Management efforts have included: fostering (placing eaglets born in captivity into wild nests), building nesting platforms, acquiring and restoring wetlands in eagle breeding territories, rehabilitating sick and injured eagles, intense education efforts aimed at landowners and the public, and increased enforcement efforts around nest sites, especially during the critical nesting season.

The state's mid-winter bald eagle survey and bald eagle restoration program are funded by the sale of the Ohio Bald Eagle License Plate and contributions to the state income tax checkoff program for wildlife diversity and endangered species. The Bald Eagle License Plate can be purchased through a deputy registrar license outlet or by calling the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles toll-free at 1-888-PLATES3.

Ohio taxpayers can donate all or a portion of their state income tax refunds to the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund by checking the appropriate box on their state income tax forms.

For Further Information Contact:
Melissa Hathaway, Division of Wildlife
(419) 625-8062
-or-
Crane Creek Biologists
(419) 898-0960