Big Bear Lake, CA, December 12, 2013 – Every year, the Forest Service conducts simultaneous bald eagle counts are held at Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood, Lake Perris, and Lake Hemet–but they couldn’t do it without volunteers. Volunteers are now being recruited for the 35th series of counts, , which will take place over the following Saturdays: December 21st, January 11th, February 8th, and March 8th.
There’s no need to sign up ahead of time. Simply show up with binoculars and a watch at 8:00 a.m. on any census day at the Big Bear Discovery Center for an orientation. You’ll then be directed to a certain vantage point around Big Bear Lake to watch for bald eagles for one hour. Volunteers record their observations, and can later attend a free slideshow about bald eagles at 11:00.
If the weather is iffy, you’ll want to call (909) 382-2832 to confirm the count is still happening; an outgoing message will be left by 6:30 am on the morning of the count if it has to be cancelled.
Forest Service biologist Robin Eliason said monitoring eagles this way has taught forestry agencies and land managers a lot about which areas are important to eagles and how the populations are doing.
For more information, contact Drew Farr (dpfarr@fs.fed.us or (909) 382-2816).
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