Eagles soar over Highbanks

March 10, 10:35 PMColumbus Outdoor Recreation ExaminerAndrew Kennett

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Bald eagles are making a comeback in Ohio (Photo: A. Kennett)

For several months now, visitors to Highbanks Metro Park have reported seeing a pair of bald eagles soaring over the Olentangy River along the park's edge.  The reason for so many eagle sightings is now clear: the eagles have built a nest near the park.

The best place in the park to view this nest is from the observation deck at the southwest end of the Overlook Trail.  The nest is located at the top of a large sycamore tree approximately 200 yards north of the deck.  Views of the nest, and hopefully the eagles as well, are best obtained with binoculars or spotting scopes.  Metro Park volunteers will be at the observation deck with a spotting scope when schedules permit.  Visitors can enquire about the scheduling by stopping at the Highbanks Nature Center or calling the park at (614) 846-9962.

Sycamores love the water. (Photo: Andrew Kennett)

Sycamore trees (like those to the right) are often found near water in Ohio's forests.  The trees have broad leaves that resemble the more famous maple leaf, but the more distinctive feature is the bark of the sycamore.  These trees have a bark that can best be described as green and brown spots mottled over a white or cream base.  This white color can be very distinctive against the green of a spring or summer forest, but should also be very visible even in winter.

Highbanks Metro Park opens at 6:30am and currently closes at 8pm.  From April through September, the park is open until 10pm.