The ODNR’s helicopter pilot made a fly-by check of the nest last week and confirmed that the pair did appear to be incubating eggs. Ireland said he spotted the eagles in the nest about two weeks ago, meaning if the mating was successful the eggs could be hatched within the next month.
It takes 35 days for bald eagles to incubate their eggs, he said.
During the incubation period and weeks following when the eaglets fledge — grow the feathers necessary for flight — it’s crucial that the adults not be spooked, Ireland said, because the babies will depend on them for warmth and food.
The unnamed eagle pair were first sighted nesting last year along the Great Miami River on the private property of Martin Marietta Materials, an aggregate company in the township. The pair was unsuccessful laying eggs last season, as is often the case with new pairs, said Dave Kohler, wildlife management supervisor for ODNR.
Bald eagles were recently discovered nesting in Warren County — the first recorded pair in that area. However, state officials have not been able to confirm if the mating has been successful. Egg-laying season concludes at the end of March.
Kohler said ODNR does not band eaglets at every nest for identification. It will likely band one nest of birds in the southwest Ohio district, but will not decide which one until around June.
In addition to the nests in Butler and Warren counties, ODNR has recorded two nests in both Montgomery and Mercer counties, and one each in Hamilton, Brown and Highland counties.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.
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