OAK HARBOR, OH -- Eagle enthusiasts and other Ohioans are encouraged to assist state wildlife biologists with their annual mid-winter bald eagle survey, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). ODNR Division of Wildlife biologists are asking residents to participate by reporting any bald eagle observations they see from now until January 15, by calling the Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station at 419-898-0960.
The survey is conducted each January as part of a nationwide tally to determine the wintering bald and golden eagle populations in North America. Last year's eagle survey recorded 204 bald eagles across the state.
The survey includes a standardized aerial survey and observations from the ground. Biologists counted 60 bald eagles during an aerial survey conducted last week.
More people are seeing bald eagles in the wild as Ohios eagle population expands throughout the state, said Mark Shieldcastle, biologist with the ODNR Division of Wildlife. This is a good time of year to see bald eagles because there is no foliage on trees and the birds become more active with nest building and courting.
Observers are reminded not to approach a nest. Human disturbance, especially during critical periods, such as prior to and during the nesting season, may prompt an eagle pair to abandon the nest or discourage them from using it in the future. It is a violation of state and federal law to disturb an eagle nest.
Active nests are currently recorded in the following 28 Ohio counties: Coshocton (1), Crawford (1), Delaware (1), Erie (7), Geauga (2), Guernsey (1), Hancock (1), Harrison (1), Henry (1), Huron (2), Knox (2), Licking (1), Lorain (2), Lucas (5), Mahoning (2), Marion (1), Mercer (1), Noble (1), Ottawa (11), Portage (3), Ross (1), Sandusky (10), Seneca (4), Summit (1), Trumbull (5), Wayne (1), Wood (2), and Wyandot (5).
Ohios nesting bald eagle population has gone from only four active nesting pairs along southwestern Lake Erie in 1979 to the current modern-day record of 76 breeding pairs.
The state's bald eagle management program is partially funded by contributions to the state income tax checkoff program for Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species. Contributions can be made by checking line 25 (form 1040) or line 17 (EZ form) on the 2001 state income tax form. The program is also funded by the sale of the Ohio bald eagle license plate.
Golden eagles are rarely seen in the Buckeye State. Observers fortunate enough to spot the all-brown birds are catching glimpses of the golden eagle on their annual trip from their summer homes in eastern Canada to wintering areas in the south.