Wintering in SoCal
Saturday January 10, 2015, the second Bald Eagle count of
Winter 2015 was conducted by local Federal and State biologists, independent biologists
and volunteer citizens from around several lakes in the Southern
California. A number of Bald Eagles migrate
to Southern California to spend their winter vacations around Southern
California’s lakes. The birds migrate
here because their prey animals (fish and ducks) are no longer available to
them in the cold northern regions as ice covers the lakes and rivers.
At total of 13 Bald Eagles were observed at six different
lakes in Southern California’s Inland Empire and mountains: Lake Perris - 1 adult eagle; Lake Silverwood
- 2 adult and 2 juvenile bald eagles; Lake Gregory - 1 adult; Lake Arrowhead -
2 adult eagles; Lake Hemet - 2 adult eagles; and Big Bear Lake - 2 adult and 1
juvenile bald eagles. Juvenile bald
eagles are the same size as the adults but are more similar to golden eagles in
their appearance. They do not acquire
the white head and tail until about 4-5 years of age.
Over 100 volunteers and agency staff participated in the Bald
Eagle search, of which most of the observers were lucky enough to see at least
one Bald Eagle.
The count coordinators, from the Forest Service and State
Recreation Areas would like to thank those volunteers for their dedication in
getting up early and participating in the eagle census. The success of the Eagle counts is entirely
dependent on the volunteers!
Future BALD EAGLE Counts > February
14th & March 14th
Please join us on this fun family-friendly experience –
it is a special opportunity to see our beautiful and amazing national
bird! The remaining bald eagle counts for this winter are scheduled for the
following Saturday mornings: February 14th and March 14th. There will be a free-to-the-public
slideshow about Bald Eagles at 11:00 A.M. after each count and also January 17th.
No experience needed. Signing
up ahead of time is unnecessary – just show up at the designated time
and location, dress warmly, bring binoculars and a watch.
NOTICE: Each location has a phone number to
call the morning of the scheduled count to check for cancellation due to winter
weather conditions
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 Rari Marks (rariemarks@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2600 x4022) for more information.
Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers will meet at 8:00 A.M. at
the Skyforest Ranger Station for orientation. Contact Rari Marks (rariemarks@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2600 x4022) for more information.
Please call
909-382-2832 for cancellation due to winter weather conditions – an outgoing
message will be left by 6:30 A.M. 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 A.M. and 4:00
P.M.; or email: khwilliams@parks.ca.gov).
Lake Hemet volunteers should
plan on meeting at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store at 8:30 A.M. for
orientation. Contact Heidi Hoggan (hhoggan@fs.fed.us or 909-382-2945) for more information.
Lake Perris State Recreation Area volunteers should
plan to meet at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum at 8:00 A.M. for
orientation. Contact the office for more
information at 951-940-5600.
Contact the
Discovery Center (909-382-2790) for information about Bald Eagle
Celebrations. Please call 909-382-2832
for cancellation due to winter weather conditions – an outgoing message will be
left by 6:30 A.M. on the morning of the count, if it has to be
cancelled.
See websites for
additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/) and the
California State Recreation Areas (www.parks.ca.gov).