Bald Eagles Counted at Mountain Reservoirs Near San Gorgonio Pass

Volunteers helped biologists count bald eagles Saturday at reservoirs near the San Gorgonio Pass.

They counted a total of nine eagles around man-made lakes in and near the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain ranges, according to the Forest Service.

In spite of wet, chilly conditions at higher elevations, some bald eagles choose to winter at reservoirs in the Transverse Ranges.

Five adult and four juvenile eagles were spotted during the one-hour count, said John Miller of the San Bernardino National Forest.

- Three adult eagles and one juvenile eagle were observed in the Big Bear Lake and Baldwin Lake area.

- Two juvenile eagles were observed at Lake Arrowhead and Lake Gregory.

- One adult eagle and one juvenile eagle were observed at Silverwood Lake.

- One adult eagle was observed at Lake Perris.

- No eagles were observed at Lake Hemet, where steady rain was falling.

A total of about 80 volunteers took part in the count at the various reservoirs, Miller said.

Three more eagle counts are scheduled for the winter season, on Jan. 14, Feb 11 and March 10, and the Forest Service is seeking volunteers.

"No experience needed," Miller said. "Volunteers should dress warmly and bring binoculars and a watch."

Big Bear Lake area volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive. Contact Robin Eliason at (909) 382-2832 for more information.

Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at the Sky Forest Ranger Station. Contact Eliason for more information.

Silverwood Lake State Park volunteers should plan to meet at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center. Contact the park office at (760) 389-2281 for more information.

Lake Hemet volunteers should plan on meeting at 8:30 a.m. at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store. Contact Ann Poopatanapong at (909) 382-2935 for more information.

Lake Perris State Park volunteers should plan to meet at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum. Contact the park office for information at (951) 940-5600.

The stretches across more than 1,000 square miles, four mountain ranges and two Southern California counties.

For additional information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf.