The Beautiful Bald Eagles of the Vermilion River Valley

The Beautiful Bald Eagles of the Vermilion River Valley. . , Whether soaring overhead, hunting for prey, or perched in a tree or nest, the bald eagle is treasured by many people of all ages. It's hard to believe that this magnificent predator of the sky was once classified as an Endangered Species. The bald eagle population has a remarkable recovery and conservation success story. This is due to legal protections, the 1972 banning of pesticide DDT, and dedicated conservation efforts by wildlife biologists and concerned citizens. Captive breeding programs also aided in this come-back, in which Ohio led the country in fostering eaglets. So much so that this large and powerful Ohio raptor is no longer listed as state or federally endangered or threatened. However, it is still protected by the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and state law. In 2020, the statewide nest census documented 707 nests throughout Ohio (there were only four breeding pairs ir 1979), with bald eagles nesting in all but three Ohio counties (highest numbers along Lake Erie). In addition, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bald Eagle Population Update report, released in March 2021, estimates 316,708 eagles across the contiguous United States, which is more than quadruple the eagle population reported in the 2009 report. The various habitats, mature trees, and bodies of water found in and along the Vermilion River Valley provide our local bald eagles with prime nesting sites and hunting grounds. In 2020, Lorain County had ten known bald eagle nests, so there is a good chance you will see or hear one while hiking the trails!, Description , One of two eagle species found in Ohio (the other is the golden eagle), both adult male and female bald eagles have snow-white feathers covering their head down to the neck area, white tail feathers, and brownish-black bodies. The white of the head and tail distinguish the fully mature eagle from immature ones. Young eagles do not have this appearance unitil they reach five or six years of age. Until then, immature eagles are almost uniformly dark brown from head to tail feather, and their undersides are mottled white with buff and cream blotches. All stages of bald eagles have yellow eyes and feet, and like other raptors, eagles have a hooked beak and sharp talons. Males are about 2.5 feet, head to toe, with a wingspan of 6 to 7 feet and a weight upwards of 10 pounds. As with many raptors, the females are larger., Food , Bald Eagles are opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes fish, small mammals, waterfowl, shorebirds, reptiles, amphibians, and carrion., Reproduction and Nest Building , Courtship behavior and nest building can occur anytime between October and early December. The female lays one to three eggs in mid-February to late March. Both parents share time incubating the eggs. The eggs usually incubate for 35 days, from February through April. A female will produce one brood each year. However, some pairs will start a second nest within the same year if a nest is destroyed., Did you know? , The bald eagle is not only our National Bird, but is also featured soaring on Vermilion Piver Reservation's park logo., Wingspan: 6-7 Feet , Length: 2.5-3.5 Feet , Weight: 10-12 Pounds , Lifespan: Average 15-20 Years; Up To 40