Eagles of Bear Valley

Volunteers needed for eagle counting on Feb. 13th & Mar. 13th

   On Saturday Jan. 9th, the second bald eagle count of the winter was conducted by local Federal and State biologists and volunteers around lakes in the Sand Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. This marks the 31st year that the San Bernardino National Forest has organized monthly winter bald eagle counts! The clear and crisp winter weather provided great conditions for volunteers to turn out for a chance to see one of our magnificent national birds. The effort was successful in tallying the bald eagles spending their winter vacations at local mountain lakes.

   A grand total of fourteen eagles (9 adults, 5 juveniles) were observed in the four lake areas during the 1-hour count. Six eagles (3 adults, 3 juveniles) were observed in the Big Bear/Baldwin Lake area; three eagles (2 adults, 1 juvenile) at Lake Arrowhead; three eagles (2 adults, 1 juvenile) at Silverwood Lake; and two eagles (2 adults) at Lake Hemet. Juvenile eagles are distinguished by a brown head and tail; adults are recognized by the famous white head and tail - it takes 4-5 years to acquire full adult coloration. Juvenile eagles are the same size as the adults.

   Approximately 85 volunteers participated in the 1-hour eagle census at the four lakes (33 in the Big Bear areas; 10 at Lake Arrowhead; 12 at Lake Hemet; and 30 at Silverwood Lake). The Forest Service and State Recreation Area biologists would like to thank those volunteers for their participation!

   The U.S. Forest Service and State Recreation Area biologists have coordinated counts of this federally-protected species since 1978. Data from our local count will be added to the nation-wide Mid-Winter Bald Eagle census to assess recovery status of the species. We rely on volunteers to gather information during the monthly winter eagle counts. Counts are conducted for a 1-hour period from 9-10am. Forest Service volunteers stationed around lakes in Big Bear, Arrowhead, and Idyllwild record all observations of bald eagles. Volunteers at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area conduct simultaneous counts.

   Bald eagles are similar to many southern Californians in that they visit the lakes of our San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains for their winter vacations between November and April. Instead of vacationing here for dynamite skiing, eagles come for the plentiful food supply. As lakes and rivers up north freeze each winter, fish become unavailable under a thick layer of ice and ducks leave the frozen waters. The eagles’ “grocery stores” have essentially closed for the winter. So eagles fly south looking for open water stocked with food. The lakes of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains fit the bill perfectly—they are part of the Pacific Migratory Flyway, a migration freeway for millions of ducks. Eagles like to spend their winters here because of the abundant and tasty ducks and fish.

   Our bald eagles normally migrate out of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains in late March, heading back to summer homes in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Alberta, Canada. In recent years, a pair of bald eagles has remained at Lake Hemet and successfully produced several eaglets.

   Catching a glimpse of our breath-taking national bird is relatively easy during the winter months. There are also some fantastic opportunities for excellent close-up photography. Just look in the tallest trees around the lakeshore. Or, if the lake is partially frozen, look for eagles perched on the ice near small groups of ducks using open water pockets.

   Remember that human presence may distract or disturb the eagles—so, try to limit your movements and do not make loud noises when nearby. If possible, remain in your car while observing eagles—the car acts as a blind.

   Don’t forget to mark your calendars now for the remaining Eagle Counts: February 13, and March 13. Volunteers need not have experience—just bring binoculars and a watch (and dress warmly!).

Would you like to comment on this article in Bear Valley News? Just send us an email to PR@bearvalleynews.com. Let us know if you would like us to put it in a letter to the editor and if you want your name printed.

Back to Front Page