Winton Woods is currently home to a family of bald eagles, including a mating pair and their young eaglet, who are living in a nest high above Winton Lake. The eaglet is growing quickly and expected to take flight within the next several weeks. Great Parks will host viewing sessions in June and July for a chance to glimpse these birds of prey, known as the national bird of the United States.  

“The return of majestic bald eagles to Winton Woods is both gratifying and also a reminder about the importance of Great Parks’ commitment to conservation and habitat preservation,” said Monica Resnik, regional education manager for Great Parks.   

The eaglet in the nest hatched in April. Its dark flight feathers are coming in. Observers have noticed it stretching its wings and walking around the nest. It is already nearly the size of its parents. Many young bald eagles make their first flight sometime between 7 and 10 weeks of age, which could be before July 4 for this eaglet.  Bald eagles represent a national conservation success story. Only four breeding pairs were known in Ohio as of 1979, but today the Ohio Division of Wildlife reports 986 confirmed nests statewide. 

Bald eagles are no longer on the state and federal endangered species lists.  

Great Parks is taking special precautions around the eagles. Guests are asked to maintain a safe viewing distance of at least 330 feet, and all Great Parks programs will allow for at least that much distance. Guests are asked to remain quiet, to avoid disturbing the eagles’ ability to take fish from Winton Lake. Their nests are protected by federal law.  

Great Parks will host special viewing sessions in Winton Woods, from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, and from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. A July 12 session also includes the option to view the eagles by boat on a guided tour of Winton Lake. Registration is available at GreatParks.org.  

(Note: Valid Motor Vehicle Permits are required for every vehicle entering Winton Woods. Information about purchasing MVPs, and accessing free or discounted MVPs, is available at greatparks.org.)

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