Eagles Soar Over the Center

It pays to look up! One of our wildlife staffers hustled through the hallways and back offices of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center this week to urge us to leave our computers and appreciate the spectacle of nature outside. They had spotted an eagle soaring in the sky and wanted to share the discovery.

We all tumbled out onto the sidewalk and after some patient scanning of the sky, we were treated to the beauty of not one, but two bald eagles soaring overhead. Instructor Bev Walborn shared binocular views with the kids who joined the small crowd staring into the blue expanse.

Bald Eagles are in the midst of baby season in Ohio. At least two Ohio pairs were confirmed sitting on eggs in the cold of early February and should have babies ready to hatch or in the nest by now.  

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, our state's bald Eagle population grew from 4 pairs along Southwestern Lake Erie in 1979 to a record 215 eagle nests in 2009. Please remember that state and federal laws protect bald Eagles and their nests, so if you come across a nest high in the trees, keep your distance and do not disturb.

Of course, you are always welcome to visit and get up-close to our resident Bald Eagle, a former rehab patient with injuries that prevent its release.