Fawnskin Flyer | Big Bear Bald Eagle Count

Big Bear Bald Eagle Count

The Bald Eagle count in Big Bear Lake was done by approximately 50 volunteers and was lower than average.

Although different reasons might contribute to this, the increasing crowds, trespassers who sled or tromp into eagle habitat (despite closure), and the continued development should not be dismissed.

There were six eagles (4 adults and 2 juveniles) surveyed during the one-hour census.

Robin Eliason guesstimates that the lower numbers is probably due to the large portion of the lake that has been frozen.

Without the coots and ducks on the lake (main food items for the eagles) the eagles may have headed into other areas.

Over in Lake Arrowhead the tally was a whopping two eagles (1 adult and 1 juvenile).

Bald eagles arrive in our area around November and most depart in late March or early April. Most return to their summer grounds in areas of Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Alberta, Canada.

You can read more about the Bald Eagle census or drop by the Discovery Center–they often conduct two hour eagle tours. My favorite one was the limo tour on Valentine’s Day with champagne and chocolates!

If you missed last weekend’s Bald Eagle count and want to volunteer to help on the next census–it will be on Valentine’s Day, February 14th with another opportunity to help with a final count on March 14th.

For more information on volunteering in the Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead areas, please call Eliason at the Big Bear Ranger Station (909) 382-2832.

Popularity: 4%