Bald Eagle (or Golden Eagle?)

Bald Eagle (or Golden Eagle?)

Date: Dec 31, 1969 at

Location: Chesterland area off of laser Rd in developenent

Wildlife Seen: 2 Bird

Behavior Observed:
Very large birds seem to be nesting pair. The size of eagles or bigger but light in color. Possibly golden eagles? One does appear to have a white head. Have been watching for the past hour. Please let me know if any sightings

Naturalist's Response

Hi there!

You almost certainly observed Bald Eagles, especially because you observed one with a white head. Juvenile Bald Eagles can look remarkably similar to Golden Eagles until about age 4 or 5 when they get their white head.

Also, Golden Eagles are very uncommon in Ohio, being much more common in the western United States and in Canada. In fact, there have only been a few sightings in the entire state this year.

On occasion Golden Eagles have been spotted in Northeast Ohio during migration, and I am still waiting (and dreaming) to see one in Geauga County!

The Bald Eagle population has increased in Ohio dramatically over the past several years, so eagle sightings are becoming more and more common. It’s an amazing experience to see one in the wild! Nice find!

-Chief Naturalist John Kolar

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Naturalist's Response