Big Bear Grizzly Wednesday, March 17, 2004 Back
The Eagles have landed in Big Bear
by Kathy Portie
 The quiet of the morning was disturbed only be the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. The sun was bright, its rays warming the naturally cold temperatures of an early March morning in Big Bear. A group of people stood on the beach at the edge of the lake, their gazes focused on the far shore. Some used binoculars, others made use of telescopes. Their attention was drawn to the same spot across the lake; George and Gracie perching in trees along the shore of Big Bear Lake. Named after the legendary comic couple, George and Gracie Allen, the couple perched precariously at the top of the tallest pines are Allens of a different feather, eagle feathers to be exact. The bald eagle pair have been coming to Big Bear for the winter season for many years, staking a claim on one particular portion of the lake that will remain unidentified. Celebrities like their privacy, you know. Bald eagles visit these mountains every winter between November and April to take advantage of the plentiful food supplies available on the area lakes. This region is also a part of the Pacific Migratory Flyway, a kind of freeway for millions of ducks flying south for the winter. With both ducks and fish at a premium during the winter here, bald eagles make this a regular destination for their winter vacation.
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The U.S. Forest Service
has coordinated counts of bald eagles since 1978 as part of a
nationwide mid-winter bald eagle census. The census is used to
assess the recovery status of the federally-protected species. Saturday, March 13, was the fourth and final bald eagle count for the season for the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountain areas Seventeen volunteers observed five eagles at Lake Arrowhead and 12 volunteers spotted two eagles at Lake Hemet. Fifty-two volunteers participated in the one hour count at Big Bear Lake. They counted seven eagles, including three adults and four immatures, just under the March average of 10. The total count for March is 14, not including the count at Silverwood Lake which was not available at press time. This was the final eagle count of the season, but don't despair. The counts will begin again in December and volunteers are always needed. For more information on eagle counts, contact biologist Marc Stamer at the Forest Service Ranger Station in Big Bear (909) 866-3437,, ext. 3216. An article from the Bi Bear Grizzly News Paper Close this window to return to the website. |