My wife Denise and I this morning, Monday, at about 7:00AM, shortly after our arrival out on "The Conneaut Sandspit", did one of our Bald Eagle counts, recording a total of 62 Bald Eagles. From a single spotting scope setup on the sandspit, 8 were seen on the lighthouse breakwall and 31 were lined up on the east breakwall.  By 7:15AM we had relocated to the top of the hill overlooking the Conneaut Creek ship channel, the aggregate piles, and the conveyor systems, and added another 21. Our count total included 14 adults and 48 juveniles. By 10:00AM, most of the eagles had already dispersed to wherever for the day. For whatever the reason they are here, I believe this annual happening produces a concentration of more eagles than found anywhere else on Lake Erie, and obviously in Ohio. In past years mid to late July begins the peak concentration. Best viewing is very early morning from "The Sandspit", which is accessible by vehicle. No access fee past the gate to drive out is required, normally until after 11:00AM. During our four and a half hour visit, we recorded 51 species of birds. Some of the highlights were 12 species of shorebirds, which included 4 Whimbrels and 2 Willets, also 14 Common Mergansers, and 2 Least Bitterns, just to name a few. It was a nice calm pleasant morning.


Bob Lane / Mahoning County

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