COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says biologists have counted 215 bald eagle nests in the state this year, up from 184 last year.
It marks the 22nd year in a row that the breeding population has increased, part of a national trend.
Only four bald eagle pairs were found in Ohio in 1979.
Biologists and volunteers estimate at least 197 eagles hatched in nests in 52 of Ohio's 88 counties. Last year, there were an estimated 222 eaglets.
Most nests are located along Lake Erie and on private land.
This is the third year since bald eagles were removed from the federal Endangered Species List.
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