Metro Parks biologists have confirmed two nesting pairs of bald eagles on park property. They are only the third and fourth known nests in Summit County in several decades.
One of the new nests is in Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, the second in a conservation area in Clinton that is adjacent to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. It is not yet known how many young eaglets may be in the nests, but a clutch could contain up to three eggs.
There are no trails to the nest sites and no public access where the nests are located. Park officials say that’s a good thing, because human disturbance could impact the birds – a federally endangered species just a short time ago.
“We’ve been aware of these nests for several months, and there have been several reported sightings in those areas,” said Mike Johnson, the park district’s chief of natural resources. “We waited to release this news until the tree canopy could provide some cover, though people may still be able to see the eagles flying overhead.”
Johnson called the nests “exciting” and proof that conservationists in Ohio have made great strides by cleaning up rivers and making public lands hospitable places for sensitive wildlife.
Of the two previously known Summit County nests, one is on Nimisila Reservoir in Green. A second was discovered earlier this year on property adjacent to the Bath Nature Preserve.
Ohio had just four bald eagle nests in 1979, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. By 2008 there were more than 150 nesting pairs. Nests are typically five to six feet wide and two to four feet tall.
Though no longer endangered, bald eagles are still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The laws prohibit taking, killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs.
“There may be a time in the near future when an eagle’s nest is as common as a hawk’s nest,” Johnson said. “Until then, we have to be sure to keep our distance and give these birds of prey the respect they deserve.”
For information about Gorge Metro Park and the Towpath Trail, visit summitmetroparks.org or call 330-865-8065.