BALD EAGLES SEEN IN LOCAL MOUNTAINS

On Saturday December 18, the first bald eagle count of the winter was conducted by local Federal and State biologists and volunteers around lakes in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. This marks the 32nd year that the San Bernardino National Forest has organized monthly winter bald eagle counts! The cloudy, wet winter weather provided challenging conditions for volunteers hoping to observe 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 5 eagles (5 adults) were observed at the lake areas during the 1- hour count. Two eagles (2 adults) were observed in the Big Bear/Baldwin Lake area; 1 eagle (1 adult) at Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory; and 1 eagle (1 adult) at Silverwood Lake. While no eagles were observed at Lake Hemet, 1 adult was observed at Lake Perris. 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 52 volunteers participated in the 1-hour eagle census (18 at Big Bear area, 3 at Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory, 2 at Lake Hemet, 11 at Silverwood Lake, and 18 at Lake Perris). The Forest Service and State Recreation Area biologists would like to thank those volunteers for their participation!

There are three remaining Eagle counts for this winter, scheduled for the following Saturday mornings: January 8, February 12, and March 12. Mark your calendars now.
No experience needed. Volunteers should dress warmly and bring binoculars and a watch.
Big Bear Lake area volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive. Contact Marc Stamer at 909-382-2828 for more information.
Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Sky Forest Ranger Station. Contact Marc Stamer, Wildlife Biologist, at 909-382-2828 for more information.
Silverwood Lake State Park volunteers should contact the park office for information during business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 760-389-2281, and plan to meet at the Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m.
Lake Hemet volunteers should plan on meeting at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store at 8:30 a.m. for instructions. Contact Ann Poopatanapong at 909-382-2935 for more information.
Lake Perris State Park volunteers should contact the park office for information at 951-940-5600, and plan to meet at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum.

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf


###


Marc Stamer, Biologist
Mountaintop Ranger District
Forest BAER Coordinator
San Bernardino National Forest
P.O. Box 290
42300 North Shore Drive
Big Bear Ranger Station
Fawnskin, CA 92333-0290

Office: (909)382-2828
Cell: (909)844-6683
Fax: (909)866-2867