Magee Marsh Wildlife Area Trail Closed for Nesting Eagles

OAK HARBOR, OH – One loop of the walking trail at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area has been closed to protect a newly established bald eagle nest, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. A pair of bald eagles has built a nest behind the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area. The trail will be closed until further notice in order to eliminate human activity near the nest and provide the birds with a good chance of producing a successful nest. There will be signs and barricades posted at the trailheads. The other loop of the walking trail will remain open from the Bird Center to the observation blind. Currently there is an eagle nest at Magee Marsh near Turtle Creek. Several years ago another pair attempted to nest at Magee Marsh near the boardwalk, but the pair was unsuccessful. Bald eagle eggs take more than a month to hatch, and this pair at the Migration Bird Center has not laid eggs yet. The nest will be monitored to determine when the walking trail will be reopened to the public. The Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center is open during the winter Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The trails are open during daylight hours. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at www.ohiodnr.com.