OHIO — Active bald eagle nests are now found in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties, marking one of the nation’s greatest conservation success stories. As America celebrates its 250th birthday this Fourth of July weekend, wildlife officials say the milestone offers a fitting moment to recognize the recovery. In the late 1970s, only four nesting pairs of the national bird remained in Ohio. Today, there are more than 1,000 active bald eagle nests across the Buckeye State.
Lake Erie Shoreline Remains the Epicenter of Nesting Activity
Documented nest data shows the highest concentration of bald eagle nests along the Lake Erie shoreline, where ideal habitat conditions continue to support dense nesting populations. Each yellow dot on the tracking map represents a documented nest location.
Despite this concentration near the lake, bald eagles are now nesting across nearly the entire state, a dramatic shift from decades past when their range was severely limited.
From Four Nesting Pairs to a Statewide Comeback
In the 1970s, Ohio had just four nesting pairs of bald eagles statewide, reflecting the species’ near collapse before conservation efforts took hold. Today, that number has grown to more than 900 active nests, with thousands of reported eagle sightings recorded across the state.
The recovery spans nearly every corner of Ohio, with active nests now documented in 87 of the state’s 88 counties.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating During the Nation’s 250th
Wildlife officials note the timing of this conservation milestone alongside America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this weekend. The bald eagle’s recovery in Ohio mirrors similar rebounds nationwide, following decades of protective measures and habitat restoration efforts…