BRECKSVILLE, Ohio — A pair of bald eagles have returned to their nest in Cuyahoga Valley National Park to take up residency for a third season.
The pair raised one eaglet in 2007 and one in 2008.
The nest is located in the Pinery Narrows area north of Station Road Bridge Trailhead in the park.
Watching restrictions
The National Park Service will close certain areas surrounding the bald eagle nest to human traffic to minimize disturbance. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will remain open to moving traffic, but closed to stopping and standing for any length of time.
“The trail restrictions are a small inconvenience to daily activity and have contributed to two successful nesting seasons for the bald eagles. We appreciate the continued support and compliance by the public,” said John P. Debo Jr., superintendent of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Great creatures
In late winter, eagles lay one to three eggs that are incubated for approximately 35 days. Eagle eggs and young are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures so adults must remain on the nest constantly. Human disturbance can disrupt this constant care, jeopardizing nesting success.
Although recently removed from the endangered species list, the bald eagle is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Both federal laws prohibit “taking” — killing, selling or otherwise harming eagles, their nests or eggs.
