searching for eagles in Adams County

photos by Tom Cross

February is one of the best months to see majestic bald eagles in Ohio's Adams County. Eagles have become regular visitors during the late winter months, and eagle sightings occur frequently during this time. No place is better to spot an eagle than along scenic U.S. Route 52 as it follows the Ohio River through Adams County. The 30 miles of U.S. 52 that transverse the southern part of the county closely follows the Ohio River shoreline through sparsely populated and rugged mountainous terrain making it ideal habitat for bird watchers to observe wintering eagles.

Remote sections of the Ohio River have become favorite wintering areas for migrating eagles providing food, a secure environment, and plenty of tall trees and solitary old snags from which the eagles like to perch and hunt.

U.S. 52, an Ohio River Scenic Byway, is a beautiful drive that winds along the foot of the river mountains, following the Ohio River from Cincinnati through Ironton, making stops in historical river towns, along locks and dams, offering spectacular views and vistas throughout its course. Moving eastward from Cincinnati into Adams County visitors begin to notice a landscape unaltered by time, rugged geological features that, except for the road, have remained basically unchanged since the Shawnee Indians roamed the land.

Eagles can and often appear just about anywhere along the Ohio River in the county, but over the years a few locations have become favorite areas to observe the migrating birds of prey. As you enter Adams County traveling east on U.S. 52 you will pass by the DP&L Stuart generating plant; beyond the plant near the 3 and 4 mile markers you will notice a tree line across a pasture field. Those trees are located along the riverbank, and over the years a number of bald eagles have been observed perched in this tree line. As you approach Moyer’s vineyards, an occasional eagle has been seen in the trees near the winery. The eagle is a very large bird with a wingspan over six feet. Both mature and immature eagles are observed in the area during winter migration. Once spotted there is no mistaking this magnificent bird.

At Manchester, (first settlement of the Virginia Military District in 1791), take Pike Street south. At its junction with Front Street on the river look east with a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. Eagles are seen with some regularity at the western points of the two Manchester Islands, which can be seen quite well from this vantage point.

Continue east on 52, just past mile marker 9, watch the tree line along the river, and near Buckeye Station Road watch the tree line to the south as well. As you approach Wrightsville at the junction of 52 and 247 turn south on 247 toward the river and carefully observe the tree line along the river. Many eagles have been spotted perched in this tree line.

The start of this 12-mile section of U.S. 52 from mile marker 12 to mile marker 24 is know as Eagle Alley and has become wintering ground for numerous bald eagles over the years with more eagles being observed in this stretch of road than anywhere else in southern Ohio.

Continuing east, you approach the DP&L Killen generating plant, just past the plant, eagles have been observed perched in the trees near the road. Watch this area very carefully, deer and wild turkey are frequently seen in the fields and on the road. Once past the generating plant you be approaching the Ohio Brush Creek bridge. Ohio Brush Creek is the epicenter of eagle activity in Adams County . Pull into the gate at Yates Landing and carefully scan the south tree line with binoculars. Many eagles have been observed at the mouth of Ohio Bush Creek. Eagles are seen here all winter long and are regularly observed upstream on Ohio Brush. At the bridge carefully look over the trees on both sides. As you drive east watch the tree line along the river as most eagles are spotted along this tree line. Along the river at mile marker 19 and 20 has been my personal favorite to observe eagles perched in the snags.

This area from DP&L to Rome is sparsely populated, with few human activities. Eagles tend to distance themselves away from any disturbance and gravitate toward the more remote sections of riverbank. Eagles ordinarily won’t sit long for observers or photographers, and it’s best to observe eagles from a distance.

Another few miles and you enter the small village of Sandy Springs. Turn toward the river at Sandy Springs Lane and follow it to its dead end. Sandy Springs Lane is a small township road that may or may not be passable. Occasionally eagles are spotted there, perched among the shoreline trees. Just past Sandy Springs is a roadside park, another couple miles beyond that and you leave Adams County . Just before you reach the county line however is a rather breathtaking view of the river and its hills.

Not only are you likely to spot eagles, but a number of migrating hawks. Waterfowl of every description can be seen on Ohio brush and in the surrounding cornfields as well. A portion of 52 is included in the Appalachian Discovery Birding & Heritage Trail. Quilt barns are located here and there, and several roads lead north into the heart of the county. Blue Creek Road and Long Lick Run is a driving experience over scenic country roads you soon won’t forget. Gas stations are few, traffic lights are fewer, and for the most part U.S. 52 is a lonely but beautiful stretch of road. Eagles like the view from here, and you will too.

For more information on lodging, restaurants, attractions and where to find eagles contact the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau at (937) 549-8515 or on the Web, www.adamscountytravel.org

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register.