Birdwatchers needed to help forest officials count bald eagles

Calling all birdwatchers: National forest officials are asking for volunteers to help count bald eagles in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains this winter.

Starting on Dec. 21, forest rangers will hold monthly get-togethers, where volunteers can meet in the mountains, grab a pair of binoculars and help observe the once-endangered national bird.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, counting events help authorities monitor the bald eagle population — which was close to extinction three decades ago — and track which areas are most populous.

After Dec. 21, counting events will be held on Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and March 8.

Volunteers can participate at any of five locations: Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Hemet, Lake Parris and Silverwood Lake.

No experience is needed to attend.

Listed below are details for each event:

• Big Bear Lake volunteers were asked to meet at 8 a.m. at the Forest Service’s Big Bear Discovery Center (map). For more information, call Drew Farr at (909) 382-2816 or email him at [email protected].

• Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers were asked to meet at 8 a.m. at the Skyforest Ranger Station (map). For more information, call Drew Farr at (909) 382-2816 or email him at [email protected].

• Silverwood Lake volunteers were asked to meet at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center (map). For more information, contact Kathy Williams or Mark Wright at (760) 389-2303.

• Lake Hemet volunteers were asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store (map). For more information, call Anne Poopatanapong at (909) 382-2935 or email her at [email protected].

• Lake Perris volunteers were asked to meet at 8 a.m. at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum (map). For more information, call (951) 940-5600.

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