On Saturday February 13th, the third bald eagle count of the winter was conducted by local Federal and State biologists and volunteers around several lakes in the southern California. Several dozen bald eagles typically spend their winter vacations around southern California’s lakes, adding to a few year-round resident nesting bald eagles in the area.
A total of fourteen bald eagles (seven adults and seven subadults/juveniles) were observed by 224 eagle-eyed observers during the 1-hour count period on Saturday morning. Bald eagles acquire the full white head and tail in their 5th year. Until then, they are have different plumages of brown and white.
“It was another beautiful day for bird-watching” said Kathy Williams from Silverwood State Recreation Area where 52 participants saw three bald eagles, including one adult, one four-year old, and another immature eagle.
The turnout at Big Bear Lake was amazing, both in terms of eagles and volunteers. Seventy-three participants covered the area, spotting five young eagles and two adults.
Twenty-eight volunteers, including two snowbirds from Calgary, counted two adult eagles at Lake Hemet. Twenty-two participants scanned the skies at Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory, spotting two adult eagles were spotted at Lake Arrowhead.
The last bald eagle count for this winter is scheduled for March 12th. No experience is needed to participate. Signing up ahead of time is unnecessary – just show up at the designated time and location, dress warmly, bring binoculars and a watch.
Big Bear Lake area volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Forest Service’s Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive for orientation. Contact Robin Eliason (reliason@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2832) for more information. Please call 909-382-2832 for cancellation due to winter weather conditions – an outgoing message will be left by 6:30 am on the morning of the count if it has to be cancelled. There will also be a free slideshow about bald eagles at 11:00 after the counts.
Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Skyforest Ranger Station for orientation. Contact Robin Eliason (reliason@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2832) for more information. Please call 909-382-2832 for cancellation due to winter weather conditions – an outgoing message will be left by 6:30 am on the morning of the count if it has to be cancelled.
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area volunteers should plan to meet at the Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m. for orientation. Contact Kathy Williams or Mark Wright for more information about volunteering or taking an eagle tour (760-389-2303 between 8:00 and 4:00; or email: katherine.williams@parks.ca.gov).