ASHLAND — Eagles mate for life. When they find true love in the sky, they lock talons and do a suicidal spin towards the ground.
Who doesn’t want to see that?
America’s symbol of freedom has made a comeback in Ashland and Richland Counties, and now is the perfect time to spot one.
The leaves haven’t fully come in yet, so it’s easier to locate nests and see their white heads through the trees. When in flight, the sun can black out the belly and to the novice birder, the Eagle can resemble a turkey vulture, hawk or even a big crow.
The key is to look for the white tail and not to focus on trying to see the cream head and yellow beak. Eagles are also scavengers; so don’t be surprised if you see their claws tearing apart road kill and dead fish along the rivers.
Best Viewing Spots
Audubon Wetlands Preserve, 1379 Township Rd 743, Ashland.
“We do have a bald eagles nest at one of our parks, Audubon Wetlands near McDonalds on 250,” Ashland County Parks District Director Stephanie Wollmann said. “It’s right along the river near the back of the park. Their nest was damaged last year, but they rebuilt.”
When you park at Audubon, there’s only one initial trail and it will take you to the boardwalk. Go across the wood planks that split the ponds and follow the trail immediately to your left. That path parallels the water and shortly after the pond ends, there will be trail junction. Continue left on Loop trail.
Eventually, Loop will run along side the Jerome Fork River. Look across the river and you’ll see the giant nest. The stick architecture is so grand you couldn’t fit your arms around it and it’s easy to see, especially compared to other bird and squirrel dwellings.
It’s super muddy this time of year so bring your waterproof boots.
Crider Road, between 603 and Ohio 30, Ashland/Richland County line.
“I know of one near Crider Road near our park Gilliom-Cherp and Esbenshade, but it’s not on park property and really close to the Ashland/Richland County boarder,” Wollmann said.
You can park at the Esbenshade trailhead and hike in or try to locate it from the road.
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville.
Eagles are seen in the park and surrounding wilderness all the time, especially along the Mohican River tributaries all the way up to Charles Mill Lake.
There’s a small bay on the southwest side of the lake, before the Charles Mill Dam, that’s a hot spot for Eagles. Isn’t it time you invested in a kayak or canoe, anyway?
Durbin Road, just south of Bellville.
Running along the Clear Fork River, Durbin Road provides car viewing of an Eagle’s nest. If traveling southeast on Durbin, look to your left in the trees along the river.
If you hit Honey Creek Road, you’ve gone too far.
