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Eagle watching season is getting underway in Northwest Ohio and this year, wildlife officials are hopeful the number of nesting pairs will set another record. Experts and eagle watchers are just starting to see the first signs of the annual mating rituals as male and female eagles start working on their nest and begin the bonding process that will eventually lead to the laying of eggs.  " With the weather breaking  for the next week, we will see things increase rapidly and those that have already laid eggs will hopefully see the results in about 35 days," says Mark Shieldcastle of the Black Swamp Bird Observatory at Magee Marsh wildlife refuge along State Route Two in Ottawa County. Shieldcastle is a retired wildlife officer with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, was instrumental in helping save the nation's symbol from extinction when the state began an aggressive program to save the eagles whose population had dwindled to just four nesting pairs.  The results of their efforts far exceeded their expectations and even Shieldcastle is amazed by the prolific return of the eagle to the Lake Erie region. "State Route Two, at last count, from Lucas County to Erie County has more than 20 nests and that's the most number of nests anywhere along one stretch of road."  In fact,  says Shieldcastle, the Western end of Lake Erie has the highest concentration of nesting bald eagles anywhere in the lower 48 states.

For Eagle watchers, the comeback has been exciting. Ryan Lesniewicz, of Ottawa County, has been watching and photographing eagles for the past three years. " I love the eagles. To have a an eagle fly right over you is quite an exsperience. One that I wish everyone could have." Ryan is not alone in his enthusiasm for the eagle. As more nests are visible throughout the area, many birders find themselves keeping watch on specific nest sites and providing valuable information to wildlife officials who still try to track and monitor the population.