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Current Status:

Although bald eagle numbers continue to grow nationwide, the loss of a high percentage of Ohio nestlings in 1990 and 1991, including all nestlings being fed from Lake Erie proper, suggests a problem with contaminants in the Lake Erie food chain. In 1991, at least 19 bald eagle nesting territories only produced an estimated 0.32 young per occupied territory. Ongoing Ohio studies also show that most post-fledging eagles densely congregate in the few remaining remote areas near the Lake Erie shoreline. These young birds are much less tolerant of human activity than adults. Additionally, bald eagles continue to suffer from shooting, trapping, poisoning, and collisions with, and electrocution by, powerlines.

Achievements:

Despite the losses described above, the overall number of occupied nesting territories and successful fledgings in Ohio has increased over the past 3 years. Young eagles are being studied to determine movements and habitat preferences. Also, unhatched eggs, dead eagles, and prey items continue to be collected and analyzed for contaminants. The Army Corps of Engineers is helping to maintain suitable habitat for eagles around its reservoirs, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is leading the eagle recovery program in the State.

Current Recovery Needs:

Nesting, post-fledging, migratory, and wintering habitat will need long-term protection. Contaminant levels in eagle prey will need to be reduced, as well as mortality from powerlines and illegal shooting, poisoning, and trapping.

Partnerships

Army Corps of Engineers: Although no eagle nests are located on Corps reservoirs in Ohio, eagles use these reservoirs for foraging. The Corps is cooperating with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to maintain suitable habitat for eagles around its reservoirs.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources: The Department leads the eagle recovery program in Ohio. It is continuing to protect eagle nesting areas, monitor active nests, rescue sick and injured eagles, and study the movements and habitat needs of young eagles.

City of Akron: An eagle nest has been located at a reservoir owned by the city of Akron, and the city is cooperating with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to protect the eagles from excessive disturbance and habitat degradation.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 7/29/83.