Bald Eagles Spotted

Eagles seen in mountains
By Staff Reports

Saturday, February 12, 2005 - BIG BEAR LAKE - The third U.S. Forest Service bald eagle count of the winter on Saturday observed three adult eagles and one immature eagle in the Big Bear Valley.

The February average for Big Bear Valley eagle counts since 1978 is 14. Twenty-five volunteers braved icy roads and wet, snowy conditions to participate in the 1-hour eagle census.

Volunteers observed two immature bald eagles at Lake Arrowhead.

At Silverwood Lake, volunteers observed one adult bald eagle and one immature eagle.

Volunteers observed two adult bald eagles at Lake Hemet.

The counts shows that at least 10 bald eagles are currently spending their winter in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains, officials said.

Immatures eagles are distinguished by a brown head and tail; adults are recognized by the famous white head and tail. While immature eagles are about the same size as the adults, it takes 4-5 years to acquire full adult coloration.

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