First Bald Eagle Nest Confirmed in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Bald eagles are nesting in Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Station Road Bridge Trailhead. The nest is on the propery of Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation within the boundary of the national park. It is the first nest recorded in Cuyahoga County in modern time.  

"We?ve had frequent sightings of one or two eagles along the Cuyahoga River over the past several winters and we hoped that they would find the right conditions for nesting. This pair happened to choose a nest within an active colony of great blue herons. The return of eagles to the Cuyahoga Valley clearly demonstrates how well the Cuyahoga River and its habitats have recovered after 30 years of conservation." said Dr. Lisa Petit, Chief, Science & Resource Management.

During the Ohio Division of Wildlife?s 2006 mid-winter survey, bald eagles were observed in 63 of Ohio?s 88 counties. There were 4 observations of bald eagles in Cuyahoga County during that survey.

Bald eagles can be easily disturbed by human interference at their nest sites. Human intrusion in the nesting area can cause the birds to abandon the nest. The bald eagle is a federally threatened species that is protected under the Endangered Species Act. Federal and state guidelines recommend maintaining at least a several hundred-foot perimeter around an eagle?s nest to minimize disturbance. To help ensure an undisturbed nest site, the area along the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad tracks north of the Brecksville Dam in the Station Road Bridge area, and the area immediately surrounding the nest will be closed until mid-summer.  Staffs from Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are committed to protecting wildlife and enforcing guidelines related to the protection of endangered species. This closure will be strictly enforced and patrolled.

There is a good observation point accessible to the general public on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which is immediately to the east, across the Cuyahoga River from the nest. To view the nest, take the trail north ?-mile from the Station Road Bridge Trailhead. The nest is on the west side of the river along the railroad tracks. The nest is twice the size of the neighboring heron nests and easily seen from the towpath. Visitors are asked to remain on the trail and avoid loud noises and disruptive behavior that may startle or disturb the nesting adults. Parking is available at Station Road Bridge Trailhead located on Riverview Road, 1/8 mile south of SR 82 in Brecksville. Park Rangers and Eagle Nest Monitor Volunteers will be available during high periods of visitation for questions. Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars and spotting scopes.

John P. Debo, Jr. Superintendent of Cuyahoga Valley National Park is delighted to see the eagles settle within the park. ?This is a reward for three decades of hard work in restoring the natural condition of the river valley. Now, in addition to other wildlife, the public can view eagles, our national symbol in the Cuyahoga Valley.?