Eagle population in Ohio continues to grow

SANDUSKY — American bald eagles are enjoying a population boom in Ohio, and the Port Clinton-Sandusky area is Ohio's hotbed for the national bird. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced on Wednesday, Earth Day, that a new census in February and March found 707 bald eagle nests in Ohio. That continues a positive trend, as it's up 151 percent from the 2012 census, when 281 nests were recorded. In 1979, when eagles were considered endangered, Ohio was down to four nesting pairs. Counties next to Lake Erie lead the way in the bird's resurgence. The ODNR said Ottawa County had the highest number of eagle nests, 90. That's followed by Sandusky County at 50, Erie County at 32, Trumbull County, 26 and Seneca County at 24. Citizen scientists help the state locate the nests, the ODNR said. The ODNR says good places locally to spot eagles are Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, both in Ottawa County, and Pickerel Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky County. "The bald eagle is a symbol of American strength and resilience," Gov. Mike DeWine said. "The eagle's comeback in Ohio and across the country proves that we can overcome any challenge when we work together." Bald eagles, although no longer endangered, are protected by state and federal law. It is illegal to disturb them, and Ohioans are urged to stay 100 yards away from a bird or a nest. Disturbing a nest can cause the birds to abandon the eggs.The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since the beginning of the country and is often depicted on official U.S. government seals. Representations of eagles can be found on U.S. currency.