Canal Winchester Messenger - April 3rd, 2022

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April 3, 2022 - MESSENGER - PAGE 3
ODNR estimates 806 bald eagle nests in Ohio
The most recent bald eagle census from
the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife estimates 806 nests in
Ohio.
This is an estimated increase of 14 percent
from the 707 bald eagle nests documented
in Ohio from the 2020 citizen science
survey coordinated by the Division of
Wildlife.
Bald eagle nesting success was at an
estimated rate of 82 percent in the spring
of 2021, and the number of young per nest
was 1.6, well above the number of 1 per
nest needed to sustain the population.
These productivity rates are similar to previous
years. The 2022 estimate will be
released following the nesting season.
The Division of Wildlife’s bald eagle
nesting survey consisted of flying five
blocks, each roughly 10 square miles, to
search for eagle nests in woodlots and
along rivers. Two of the blocks, one near
Sandusky on Lake Erie and the other over
Mosquito Creek Wildlife Area in northeast
Ohio, are flown every year. The other three
blocks are rotated every year. The 2021
blocks were located around Killbuck
Wildlife Area, Grand Lake St. Marys, and
the Maumee River in Defiance and Henry
counties.
“Bald eagle management by the
Division of Wildlife includes habitat conservation
with an emphasis on wetlands
and wooded river corridors, working with
rehabilitators who help injured birds recover,
and helping to enforce protective state
and federal laws,” said Division of Wildlife
Chief Kendra Wecker. “We are incredibly
proud that Ohio’s bald eagle population
continues to improve and grow.”
Bald eagles thrive in spaces with clean
water and fish, their preferred food. Lake
Erie and other large waterbodies host the
highest number of eagles because of easy
access to food resources. All Ohioans can
report a bald eagle nest at wildohio.gov or
through the HuntFish OH mobile app.
2020 nest census
In 2020, a nest census was completed to
locate every active bald eagle nest in Ohio.
The results indicated Ohio had 707 active
eagle nests in 85 counties. Most nests were
confirmed on private property, with about
150 on public lands. Of those, 43 nests were
located on Division of Wildlife properties.
More about Ohio’s bald eagles
The bald eagle was once an endangered
species, with only four nesting pairs in
Ohio in 1979.
Thanks to partnerships between the
Division of Wildlife, Ohio zoos, wildlife
rehabilitation facilities, concerned
landowners, and conservationists its population
increased.
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.
Bald eagles are protected under both
state law and the federal Bald and Golden
Eagle Protection Act, making it illegal to
disturb bald eagles. When viewing these
majestic birds, remember to respect the
bird’s space and stay at least 100 yards
away. Disturbing bald eagles at the nest
site could lead the pair to abandon the
eggs.
As with many of Ohio’s native wildlife
species, bald eagles require specific habitat
conditions to thrive.
Bald eagle habitat protection and
research is funded by the sale of bald eagle
conservation license plates, income tax
check-off donations to the Endangered
Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund, and
sales of the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.
Learn how to support Ohio's magnificent
wildlife at wildohio.gov.
About ODNR
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is
to conserve and improve fish and wildlife
resources and their habitats for sustainable
use and appreciation by all. Visit
wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise
use and protection of our natural resources
for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website
at ohiodnr.gov.
Messenger photo by Pat Donahue
This father bald eagle appears to be having a talk with his little one. The number of
eagles’ nests in Ohio has increased from 707 in 2020 to 806 nests in 2022. This bald
eagle’s nest is located in Newcomerstown, Ohio.
Messenger delivery with
the Sunday Dispatch
As readers know, we contract delivery of
the Messenger in with the Sunday
Dispatch. Recent proposed delivery
changes by the Dispatch, which would
have affected delivery of the Messenger in
with the Sunday Dispatch, have now been
put on hold. Therefore, you will continue to
receive your Messenger in with your
Sunday Dispatch for the foreseeable
future. Thank you for reading the
Messenger!
Art on the Canal Art Stroll
The 2022 Art on the Canal Art Stroll
will be May 21 from noon to 6 pm in historic
downtown Canal Winchester. There is
no charge for artists to participate though
they are required to carry their own liability
insurance. Visit
www.destinationcw.org/artStroll for information.
CW Farmers’ Market
The 2022 Canal Winchester Farmers’
Market begins May 24 and runs through
Sept. 25. We are currently accepting applications.
Visit www.thecwfm.com for information.
Wagnalls Memorial Library
Wagnalls Memorial Library is located
at 150 E. Columbus St., Lithopolis. For
information call (614) 837-4765 or visit
www.wagnalls.org.
Valid at Columbus location only. Not valid with any other discounts, coupon or promotion.
No cash value. Expires 4/24/22.
Valid at Columbus location only. Not valid with any other discounts, coupon or promotion.
No cash value. Expires 4/24/22.
Valid at Columbus location only. Not valid with any other discounts, coupon or promotion.
No cash value. Expires 4/24/22.
Valid at Columbus location only. Not valid with any other discounts, coupon or promotion.
No cash value. Expires 4/24/22.