Dressed for the early morning chilly air off the lake surface and packing binoculars and cameras, the volunteers were led by Forest Service Biologist Ann Poopatanapong (fourth from left) and were rewarded when a male and a female eagle were spotted flying on the south side of the lake. Photo by Cid Castillo

About 40 volunteers came to assist the Forest Service count bald eagles for the 34th season in the San Bernardino National Forest’s annual winter bald eagle count held Saturday, Jan. 14 at Lake Hemet.