The access gate to "The Sandspit" was already open upon our arrival at 6:45AM this morning. The weather was overcast and sixty-eight degrees. On the spit we were greeted by 9 Bald Eagles and 5 Turkey Vultures. Our total Bald Eagle count for the Conneaut Harbor Area was 38, 7 adults and 31 juveniles. As I have explained before, to see the numerous eagles you need to arrive early, and have a good scope! We were fortunate to have the company of nature photographer, and birder, Gary Meszaros, for part of the four hour visit. We departed at 10:45AM. Of the 32 species of birds recorded, the following are the highlights, in no special order; 1 Least Sandpiper (photo), 1 Caspian Tern, 1 female Red-Breasted Merganser (photo), 1 Osprey, 1 Peregrine Falcon harassing a lone juvenile Bald Eagle, 3 Double-crested Cormorants, 1 Brown Thrasher, and 200+ Bank Swallows swarming around their burrows. Four Bald Eagles were sitting on top of the aggregate pile, within a few feet, directly above the Bank Swallow colony (photos). The swallows seemed to be paying them no attention. The Conneaut Harbor Area is located on Lake Erie in extreme northeastern Ashtabula County.


Bob and Denise Lane / Mahoning County                                             
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