If you’ve ever spotted a bald eagle soaring over an Ohio river or perched in a towering sycamore, now’s your chance to put those eagle-eyed skills to use. The Ohio Division of Wildlife is asking the public for help in locating bald eagle nests as part of a statewide census. Through March 15, 2025, Ohioans can report sightings of new eagle nests at wildohio.gov.
Bald eagles have made an incredible comeback in Ohio.
Once on the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction and pesticide use, these majestic birds have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts and legal protections. The 2020 census recorded 707 nests statewide, with Ottawa County leading the way with 90 nests. As of now, 649 nests have been confirmed across Ohio, but wildlife officials believe there are more out there.
Where to Spot Bald Eagles in Ohio
Bald eagles love a good waterfront view, and Ohio’s many rivers, wetlands, and lakes provide the perfect nesting grounds. Look for them in tall trees—sycamores, beeches, oaks, and cottonwoods are favorites—near bodies of water where they can hunt for fish. And while they’ve been spotted in all 88 counties, some areas, like those along Lake Erie and major rivers, tend to have more frequent sightings.
How to Report a Nest
If you happen to find a new bald eagle nest, you can report it online at wildohio.gov through March 16. Keep in mind that eagle nests and the birds themselves are protected under state and federal laws, so it’s important to respect their space. The minimum distance to avoid disturbing the eagles is 330 feet, with a 660-foot buffer recommended for certain activities.
Why It Matters
Tracking bald eagle nests helps wildlife officials monitor population trends, assess habitat health, and ensure that these once-endangered birds continue to thrive. This is one of Ohio’s great conservation success stories, and by helping with the count, you’re playing a small but important role in protecting these iconic raptors.
So next time you’re out enjoying Ohio’s parks, lakes, or even just your backyard, keep an eye to the sky! You never know what you might see.
Featured image by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash
