Oak Openings Breeding Raptor Monitoring

Oak Openings Breeding Raptor Monitoring

Raptors, namely hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, and vultures, have been identified as key indicators of ecosystem health. They are, undoubtedly, an essential component to healthy, functioning ecosystems and a valued biological resource. As apex predators and regulators of natural systems, raptors are crucial to maintaining a balance within the stable and healthy ecosystems upon which we all depend.

Over the past 100 years, raptor population numbers in northwest Ohio have both increased and decreased due to hunting, habitat changes, and pesticide use. Before this observational survey started in 2006, there were only anecdotal sightings of nests in the Oak Openings Region. Early data provided through the Ohio Breeding Bird Atlas was also available, but limited for the Oak Openings Region. Since 2006, this annual study has documented and monitored the breeding success and habitat use of all raptor species residing in the Oak Opening Region.

This region’s wide range of habitats support a diverse breeding raptor population that includes Broad-winged and Red-shouldered Hawks, which are unique to northwest Ohio. Overall, eleven species of raptors are known to have successfully nested here since 1978. Currently, the following nine types of raptors can be found during the breeding season: Bald Eagle, Cooper’s Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, American Kestrel, Eastern Screech-Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Barred Owl. The Northern Harrier was probably the most common raptor that nested in the region during the first half of the twentieth century, but due to habitat loss, it is no longer found breeding.  There is also evidence that Saw-whet Owls and Sharp-shinned Hawks have nested a few times in the past. Monitoring by walking and driving surveys is completed by Metroparks staff and volunteers, largely following the boundaries of the Oak Openings Region.