Do you see it?
Jason Wilson, Minnie Hamilton EMS Director did, as he was traveling on Route 16 South Calhoun Highway in the area of Orma, West Virginia and snapped a quick image of the bald eagle resting in the trees on Wednesday.
Two species of eagles are found in West Virginia: the bald eagle and the golden eagle. The bald eagle is the easiest to spot because of its white head. The golden eagle is also present, but sightings are more limited.
The first bald eagle nest in West Virginia was recorded in 1981 along the South Branch of the Potomac River. The number of nesting pairs has increased steadily over the years. In 2010, there were 36 pairs of bald eagles nesting in the state. By 2022, that number had risen to 130.
The bald eagle almost went extinct in the mid 20th century due to DDT poisoning.
Bald eagles were once rare in West Virginia in all seasons, but they are now seen regularly along most of the state’s major rivers. Nonbreeding eagles have been seen in most areas of the state.
If you’re out and about and capture images of eagles (or any other beautiful forms of nature) always feel free to send those images to the Ridgeview News. We’d love to share them!
