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While the nest itself can be seen from the viewing area without the aid of a telescope, you will need a telescope or binoculars to see the nest clearly. Folks with patience and good timing may be able to view the pair of eagles as they change "shifts" from nest tending to food gathering for the growing family. |
For the first time in modern memory, a bald
eagle nest has been identified along the Buckeye side of the Ohio
River in Brown County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural
Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The nest, a first for Brown
County, is one of 14 new bald eagle nests identified in the state
thus far this year. An additional new eagle nest was discovered
at Rocky Fork Lake in Highland County on March 30.
It is exciting to see that bald eagles are nesting along
or near the Ohio River. In fact, the Brown and Highland county
nests are the first in modern times to be located in southwestern
Ohio, said Steven A. Gray, chief of the Division of Wildlife.
The Brown County nest is located about two miles east of Higginsport on the Brown County Rural Water property at 3818 U.S. 52. Individuals are reminded that state and federal laws protect bald eagles and their nest sites. Any type of disturbance around a nest could cause the birds to abandon the site or discourage them from using the nest in the future.
An observation has been set up for those interested in viewing the Brown County eagles. The eagles are currently incubating an unknown number of eggs, which are expected to hatch in the next two weeks. Prospective eagle watchers should bring binoculars or a spotting scope for best viewing.
There are currently 122 eagle nests in 39 Ohio counties. Most of the nests are located along Lake Eries western marshes, but in the last few years more nests have been discovered inland as bald eagles expand their range throughout the state.
Of the 122 nests across the state, 104 pairs have laid eggs and begun incubation and five of those nests have had successful hatches. Besides the Brown County nest, 12 other new eagle pairs have also been identified so far. Four of the new pairs are in Sandusky County, two in Wood County, and one each in Erie, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Seneca and Trumbull counties.