Yes, there are bald eagles in Southern Ohio, although they are less common than in other parts of the state. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the only counties in Southern Ohio not documented with eagle nests were Jackson, Lawrence, and Meigs. This is likely due to the dense forest cover and low numbers of wetlands or lakes in this area, which make these counties less suitable for bald eagles.
Bald Eagle Nesting in Ohio
In 2020, the statewide nest census documented 707 nests throughout the state of Ohio, with bald eagles documented as nesting in all but three of Ohio’s counties. This number was much higher than previous years, largely because 2013-2019 nest numbers were estimated from a sample of survey areas and were not able to capture the expansion and increase of nests across the state. The 2020 nest census indicated a 150% increase in nests from the last nest census in 2012.
Bald eagles are protected under state and federal laws, including the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The bald eagle nesting period occurs over several months, and the ability to precisely confirm activity given the length of the survey period and the high nest count was a challenge. Biologists confirmed 707 bald eagle nests in 85 counties throughout Ohio, including both currently active, failed, and inactive bald eagle nests.
Best Places to Spot Bald Eagles in Southern Ohio
If you want to spot bald eagles in Southern Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park, Shawnee State Forest, Mosquito Lake State Park, and the Lake Erie Shoreline are great places to start your search. January and February are the best months to keep watch for bald eagles, as they use this time for courtship and nest-building activity. Adult bald eagles are easier to identify than the youngsters, with adults having a white head and a distinctive yellow bill, which contrasts with their dark brown-black body.
Bald Eagle Identification
Identifying bald eagles can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to distinguishing between adults and juveniles. Here are some key features to look for:
| Feature | Adult Bald Eagle | Juvenile Bald Eagle |
|---|---|---|
| Head | White | Dark brown |
| Bill | Yellow | Dark |
| Body | Dark brown | Mottled brown and white |
| Tail | White | Dark brown |
It’s important to note that juvenile bald eagles can take up to 5 years to develop their distinctive white head and tail, so they may appear similar to other large birds of prey, such as golden eagles or immature Bald Eagles.
Conclusion
While bald eagles are less common in Southern Ohio compared to other parts of the state, they are still present and can be spotted in various locations, particularly during the nesting season. By understanding their habitat preferences, nesting patterns, and identification features, you can increase your chances of spotting these majestic birds in the wild.
References:
– Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). Bald Eagles in Ohio | Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://ohiodnr.gov/home/additional-resources/division-of-wildlife/bald-eagles-promo
– Ohio Department of Natural Resources. (2020). BALD EAGLE NEST CENSUS RESULTS 2020 – Ohio.gov. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/wildlife-management/baldeaglereport2020census_final.pdf
– Avibirds.com. (n.d.). Eagles in Ohio (With Pictures) – Avibirds.com. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://avibirds.com/eagles-in-ohio/
– Cincinnati.com. (2024, January 25). Great spots in Ohio for finding bald eagles and how to identify – Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved April 19, 2024, from https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2024/01/25/bald-eagles-ohio-where-to-find-them-how-to-identify/72190922007/
