OAK HARBOR, OH -- The state's bald eagles have officially kicked off the 2002 nesting season as eagle pairs recently began incubating eggs, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Nesting eagle pairs in Crawford, Mercer, Seneca, and Sandusky counties recently began incubating eggs and the remainder of Ohio's eagle pairs are expected to begin nesting between now and mid-April. State wildlife biologists expect another successful breeding season this year with at least five new nests discovered. Last year a record 106 young fledged from 74 nests.
Bald eagles reach breeding maturity at three to four years of age and are monogamous. They prefer to build their nests in tall sycamore trees near water. Generally, eagles lay two eggs and the incubation period is 35 days. Eaglets are mottled brown and do not acquire pure white head and tail feathers until age five or six. The young fledge (leave the nest) at 10 to 13 weeks, at which time they are the size of the adults. Once the young fledge, they remain under the care of the adults for another seven to 10 weeks. An eagle's life span in the wild is generally 15 to 20 years.
Active nets 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 (12), Seneca (4), Summit (1), Trumbull (6), Wayne (1), Wood (2), and Wyandot (5).
Anyone witnessing any new eagle nest-building activity should contact the county wildlife officer, an ODNR Division of Wildlife office, or call 1-800-WILDLIFE. Eagle observers are reminded that bald eagles and their nest sites are protected by state and federal laws. Any type of disturbance around a nest could cause the birds to abandon the nest or discourage them from using the nest in the future.
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 Ohio conservation license plates, including the bald eagle and cardinal plates. The license plates can be purchased through a Deputy Registrar license outlet or by calling the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles toll-free at 1-888-PLATES3.