As a kid growing up in Northwestern PA we were taught in school about how the US Congress chose the Bald Eagle as our National Bird In 1784. We learned how it was on the Presidential Seal and we saw it on nature channels soaring through the sky. One thing that was not a common occurrence was someone saying they actually spotted one.
It is not surprising since according to the US Fish and Wildlife there were only 3 documented nests in the entire state of Pennsylvania just 30 years ago. Bald Eagles were on the endangered species list and finding one in this area was next to impossible. A little over ten years ago in 2007 this majestic bird was removed from the endangered list and is now flourishing with over 250 documented yearly nesting sites in our state alone.
I was an adult before I spotted my first Bald Eagle and it was, you guessed it, right in my own backyard! After that first sighting I spent many hours in my car going to places near lakes and streams with the kids in tow searching for more. We treated it as an adventure and as long as they did not run out of snacks they were more than happy to go out “stalking eagles”. It became a time to talk about school, boys, and even girls on the rare occasion that my son would volunteer information.
We surprisingly we fairly successful with several amazing eagle sightings through the years. But admittedly the sightings were not often enough to keep the young ones attentions. So you have a choice, you can wander aimlessly through the countryside and scan the skies, learning obscure back country roads and waterways... or you can boost your success rate for a sighting by checking out the Fish and Wildlife Pennsylvania Field Office map online which has the locations of many confirmed nests in our area. To find this webpage just google “PA Bald Eagle mapping tool” and you will soon be on your way to an informed journey.
Why would you go out and stalk Bald Eagles in March? (you might ask) Well, let me tell you, Bald Eagles begin the nest building or rebuilding process and courtship about 1-3 months prior to laying eggs. And you guessed it, now is a great time to observe some amazing behaviors.
One of my favorite places is the Lake Wilhelm area located down Route 19 in Goddard State Park. I have actually witnessed the eagles sitting on the ice searching for frozen fish. I have also been hearing reports that the eagles are very active right now just south of us in the Shenango Valley Reservoir which can be accessed by taking Route 18 south towards Sharon, Pa. If you prefer to stay more local there are at least two confirmed nests in the Conneaut Lake area and several more in the Pymatuning State Park.
Where ever you decide to travel, make sure you bring a camera and possibly a pair of. binoculars. Eagles tend to nest in areas that are not accessible and there are established buffer zones around the nests since they are protected by federal law. Nests are typically very large and made of a mix of limbs and other materials so just look for dark shadows in the tree tops. Don’t see the nest from your location? Don’t get discouraged. Most of the amazing sightings I have had were the eagles flying overhead or perched in a tree nowhere near the nest itself.
Eagles are also opportunistic birds and are not above being on the side of the road for a freshly hit animal, so be aware of this as you travel because they will take off with a huge wing span and can startle you if you are not prepared for it. The last thing you want to do is end up in the ditch or accidentally hitting the bird.
So pack the kids, pack the snacks and head out for a wildlife adventure that will bring many family memories and a great chance to admire our National Bird. Remember until next time, not all those who wander are lost.
As Seen in Meadville Tribune
