Eagle observers should be aware that bald eagles and their active nests are totally protected in Ohio. All laws, including endangered species protection and trespassing regulations, will be strictly enforced in the vicinity of the nest site. Statewide, eagle nests are located in 25 counties. Bald eagles are classified as an endangered species in Ohio. They generally keep the same mate from year to year, but will acquire a new mate quickly if something happens to one of the pair.
Eagles build nests made of large sticks.
Pairs will frequently use the same nest from year to year, building it larger each year. They eat fish, waterfowl, small mammals and even carrion. Anyone who observes what may be nest building activity by an eagle pair should contact their county wildlife officer or a Division of Wildlife office. The state's bald eagle restoration efforts are funded by the sale of the Ohio conservation license plates, including the bald eagle and cardinal plates, and contributions to the state income tax checkoff program for wildlife diversity and endangered species. Ohio taxpayers can donate all or a portion of their state income tax refund to the Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Fund by checking the appropriate box on their 2000 state income tax form.