Citizen scientists are needed to help count bald eagles in the annual winter bald eagle counts in and near the San Bernardino Mountains. Concurrent bald eagle counts are held at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, as well as Lake Perris, and Lake Hemet. in Riverside County Some of these sites have held winter counts since 1978!
Counting eagles is fun, easy, and only takes a couple of hours. Participants meet at 8:00 or 8:30 for a brief orientation, coordination, and instructions. Participants are stationed at vantage points around the lakes, where they watch for bald eagles from 9:00 to 10:00 am. During that time, participants record their observations on maps and data sheets. At 10:00, participants return to the meeting location to report their findings. This is a wonderful opportunity to catch a glimpse of our breath-taking national symbol.
Ten bald eagles were observed during the February counts but foggy weather conditions likely hid some eagles from the eagle searchers. If you are interested in bald eagles but cannot attend a count, check out the live-streaming camera (https://www.youtube.com/atch?v=iHofqKTOcKw) provided by the Friends of Big Bear Valley. The web camera is on a nest on San Bernardino National Forest land near Big Bear Lake. While they have not laid eggs yet, the pair has been very active adding to and improving the nest. The area around the nest is closed to the public to help protect the eagles.
The last bald eagle count for this winter is Saturday March 11th. No experience is needed. Signing up ahead of time is unnecessary – just show up at the designated time and location, dress warmly, bring binoculars and a watch. Meeting locations and time are listed below.
· Big Bear Lake area participants 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. If the count has to be canceled due to mountain road/winter conditions, an outgoing message will be left by 6:30 am on the morning of the count. Contact the Discovery Center (909-382-2790) for information about Eagle Celebrations. There will also be a free slideshow about bald eagles at 11:00 after the counts.
· Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory participants 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. If the count has to be canceled due to mountain road/winter conditions, an outgoing message will be left by 6:30 am on the morning of the count.
· Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area participants 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: khwilliams@parks.ca.gov).