Ohio Bald Eagle Nests Reach Historic High in 2025

Ohio's bald eagle population has reached a record 964 confirmed active nests across 87 of 88 counties, marking a 36% increase since 2020. Ottawa County leads with 112 nests, followed by Sandusky (61) and Erie (40), with the majority concentrated in wetland habitats near Lake Erie. Recent years have seen dramatic regional growth, with Allen County increasing nest numbers by 140% and Auglaize by 75% over five years. The 2025 census, supported by over 1,800 citizen scientist reports, found a 78% nest success rate and an average of 1.3 eaglets per active nest. Wildlife officials attribute the resurgence to habitat conservation, cleaner waterways, and public involvement, urging continued protection of wetlands and reporting of new nests. The recovery is especially notable, as only four nesting pairs remained in Ohio in 1979.