Volunteers Needed to Count Bald Eagles

On Sat., Feb. 8th, the third bald eagle count of the winter was conducted by volunteer eagle observers and local Federal and State biologists around several lakes in southern California. A grand total of 15 eagles (9 adults and 6 juveniles) were observed at the lake areas during the 1-hour count. Ten bald eagles (4 adults, 6 juveniles) were observed at Big Bear Lake; 1 adult eagle at Lake Arrowhead; 2 adult eagles at Silverwood Lake; 2 adult eagles at Lake Hemet; 0 eagles at Lake Gregory and at Lake Perris. Juvenile eagles are distinguished by a brown head and tail. Adults are recognized by the famous white head and tail, which takes 4-5 years to acquire full adult coloration. Juvenile eagles, however, are the same size as the adults. Kathy Williams, Silverwood State Recreation Area staff, noted that their volunteers had a “National Geographic moment when an adult bald eagle flew over the group, made a circle, snagged a fish from the lake, and flew way. A good time was had by all.” Approximately 165 observers participated in the 1-hour eagle census (53 at Big Bear, 18 at Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory, 49 at Silverwood Lake, 30 at Lake Hemet, and 25 at Lake Perris). The count coordinators from the Forest Service and State Recreation Areas would like to thank those volunteers, which success of eagle counts are entirely dependent. There is just one bald eagle count left this winter, Sat., Mar. 8. No experience is needed. Signing up ahead of time is unnecessary – just show up at the designated time and location (indicated below), dress warmly, bring binoculars and a watch. · Lake Perris State Recreation Area volunteers should plan to meet at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum at 8 a.m. for orientation. Contact the office for more information at (951)940-5600. · Big Bear Lake area volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at the Forest Service’s Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive for orientation. Contact Drew Farr at dpfarr@fs.fed.us or (909)382-2816 for more information. · Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at the Skyforest Ranger Station for orientation. Contact Drew Farr at (909)382-2816 for more information. · Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area volunteers should plan to meet at the Visitor Center at 8 a.m. for orientation. Contact Kathy Williams or Mark Wright for more information at khwilliams@parks.ca.gov or (760)389-2303. · Lake Hemet volunteers should plan on meeting at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store at 8:30AM for orientation. Contact Anne Poopatanapong at apoopatanapong@fs.fed.us or (909)382-2935 for more information.