Bald Eagle Nest Census Good News Says Local Bird Enthusiast

The Ohio Division of Wildlife says citizen scientists have found 707 bald eagle nests in the Buckeye State.

The nest census results show an increase of 151 percent from the last census, conducted in 2012.

“It’s really good news to see that there are that many active bald eagle nests in the state and that Hancock County has 12 of those nests,” said Rick Kidwell, a bird enthusiast from Findlay.

Of the 12 nests in Hancock County, Kidwell says the oldest nest is around 20 years old and off of State Route 15 near the Blanchard River and the newest one is out by Riverbend Recreation Area.

There’s also a nest at State Route 15 and U.S. 68 where the bridge project is underway and ODOT has been monitoring that nest for disruptions but so far so good.

Kidwell says bald eagles are such a majestic bird whether they’re sitting on the edge of their nest or soaring in the sky.

The bald eagle was once an endangered species, with only four nesting pairs in Ohio in 1979.

However, thanks to partnerships between the Division of Wildlife, Ohio zoos, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, concerned landowners, and sportsmen and women its population has increased significantly.

After much hard work and continued conservation, the bald eagle was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2007 and from Ohio’s list in 2012.

“The bald eagle is a symbol of American strength and resilience,” said Governor DeWine.

“The eagle’s comeback in Ohio and across the country proves that we can overcome any challenge when we work together.”