Bald Eagle survey

"A total of 554 bald eagles, including 329 mature birds with white heads and tails, were counted in the recently completed statewide mid-winter eagle survey, the Ohio Division of Wildlife said Friday [Jan 20]. "The weather has a lot to do with it," summed Mark Shieldcastle, project leader at the division's Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station in Ottawa County. Because of the abnormally mild conditions since Christmas, he explained, "a lot of northern birds short-stopped in Ohio instead of continuing farther south." In addition to the bald eagle count, two golden eagles, which rarely are seen in Ohio, were confirmed this winter."

"Bald eagles were observed in 63 of the 88 counties, with western Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay shoreline counties leading the way as usual. The region traditionally has been the state's eagle haven with abundant water and fish and marshland wildlife for food."

"Sandusky County harbored the most birds, 98, with large concentrations in several areas. A total of 107 eagles were seen at one time along Sandusky Bay, and in another observation 56 were seen near open water on the bay. The state's Pickerel Creek State Wildlife Area, along U.S. 6 northeast of Fremont, alone drew 26 eagles."

"Other leading counties included Ottawa, 71 eagles, Erie 51 and Wyandot, Knox and Trumbull 24 each. Other good concentrations of eagles were observed at the mouth of the Sandusky River and along the Muskingum, Kokosing and Scioto rivers."

"These will enhance the 125 nests known a year ago. Shieldcastle said that crews are investigating another 12 to 15 other "real possible" nests. "I wouldn't be surprised if we end up with 140, 150 nests this year." Last year a record 136 eaglets were fledged from 85 of the nests."

"That said, Shieldcastle said the state is looking for veteran and new volunteers to monitor the progress at the increasing number of eagle nests. A workshop is set for Feb. 11 at Killdeer Plains State Wildlife Area in Wyandot County, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call Crane Creek."

updated by jr on Apr 19, 2006 at 05:19:44 pm Comments: 0