Grab Your Camera, the Bald Eagle Photo Hunt Is on

It’s on.

Patch’s 2012 bald eagle photo hunt has arrived, and we’re asking readers to submit snapshots they’ve captured of the patriotic birds, nested just off the Cuyahoga Valley National Park reservation in Brecksville.

Bonus points will go to photogs who can capture the eaglet that hatched last month.

The competition starts today. Readers have until next Sunday, May 20 to post his or her awesome photos.

Posting is easy. Just hit that rectangular upload button above. Be sure to include your name in the caption box when posting, so we know who you are.

The winning photo will be featured on Tuesday, May 22 on participating Patch sites, which include: Brecksville, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn-Bath and Twinsburg.

The victor’s pic will also be posted as the main photo on each Patch’s Facebook page.

Local Editors Rachel Abbey McCafferty, John Deike, Megan Rozsa and Mitch Cooper will handle the judging.

So where are the eagles? Good question.

Drive to the Station Road trailhead in Brecksville off of Riverview Road, just south of State Route 82. To view the eagles, walk about a half mile north up the paved towpath trail, which starts at the Station Road bridge.

You’ll know you’re close when you see signs to the left prohibiting you from getting too close to the nest. According to park biologist Meg Plona, bald eagles are protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so be sure to observe the signage on the towpath trail.

If you need a little more direction to find the nest, call the at 800-433-1986.

Good tip: Bring an SLR camera with a 200mm to 300mm lens or a point-and-shoot equipped with a high powered zoom to capture the shot you want.

Let the photo hunt begin!