Where to find bald eagles
TOP SPOT: Family Friendly
Location: The San Bernardino National Forest is welcoming volunteers to participate in bald eagle counts at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, Lake Hemet and Lake Perris this winter.
Price Range: $
Pros: It's free and educational!
Cons: Patience required, and you may not spot any eagles.
Have you ever wondered where you can find bald eagles in Southern California? Now is your chance to see this majestic national bird up close. The San Bernardino National Forest is welcoming volunteers to participate in bald eagle counts at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Silverwood Lake, Lake Hemet and Lake Perris this winter.
The counts will take place during the mornings of Feb. 11 and March 10. Be sure to dress for the cold weather and bring a watch and binoculars. Bring along a good zoom lens and tripod for some stunning photos of bald eagles. During the counts, volunteers are stationed around the lake and record their bald eagle sightings during a 1-hour period. Most bald eagles can be spotted around the lake's tallest trees or on the ice near flocks of ducks. In December, nine eagles were spotted. January and February are peak season for bald eagles in Southern California. No experience is necessary, and you're certain to learn some interesting facts about bald eagles during your visit.
Bald eagles spend their summers in Canada, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho — returning each winter to feed on the plentiful ducks and fish found in the lakes of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains. These lakes are set along the Pacific Migratory Flyway, which is "a migration freeway" for millions of birds. The bald eagles return to their homes in March. Following are the times and meeting spots for the 2012 Southern California bald eagle counts.
The counts will take place during the mornings of Feb. 11 and March 10. Be sure to dress for the cold weather and bring a watch and binoculars. Bring along a good zoom lens and tripod for some stunning photos of bald eagles. During the counts, volunteers are stationed around the lake and record their bald eagle sightings during a 1-hour period. Most bald eagles can be spotted around the lake's tallest trees or on the ice near flocks of ducks. In December, nine eagles were spotted. January and February are peak season for bald eagles in Southern California. No experience is necessary, and you're certain to learn some interesting facts about bald eagles during your visit.
Bald eagles spend their summers in Canada, Montana, Wyoming and Idaho — returning each winter to feed on the plentiful ducks and fish found in the lakes of the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains. These lakes are set along the Pacific Migratory Flyway, which is "a migration freeway" for millions of birds. The bald eagles return to their homes in March. Following are the times and meeting spots for the 2012 Southern California bald eagle counts.
- Big Bear Discovery Center for counts at Big Bear Lake. 8 a.m. Feb. 11 and March 10. Call Robin Eliason at 909-382-2832.
- Sky Forest Ranger Station for counts at Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory. 8 a.m. Feb. 11 and March 10. Call Robin Eliason, Wildlife Biologist, at 909-382-2832.
- Silverwood Lake State Park Visitor Center. 8 a.m. Feb. 11 and March 10. Call 760-389-2281.
- Lake Hemet Grocery Store. 8:30 a.m. Feb. 11 and March 10. Call Ann Poopatanapong at 909-382-2935.
- Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum. 8 a.m. Feb. 11 and March 10.Call 951-940-5600.
