Lareina Van Sant and Heidi Hoggan look across Lake Hemet to spot the two resident bald eagles in a tall tree together. Saturday was the first of four eagle counts; the next is Jan. 10, 2015. Photo by John Drake
Lareina Van Sant and Heidi Hoggan look across Lake Hemet to spot the two resident bald eagles in a tall tree together. Saturday was the first of four eagle counts; the next is Jan. 10, 2015. Photo by John Drake

The last of four Saturday bald eagle counts will take place Saturday morning, March 14. This is the 36th year of the eagle counts.

During the February count, more than 275 people participated, looking for soaring or perched bald eagles. Observers sighted 17 bald eagles; two adult eagles were seen at Lake Hemet.

No experience is needed to participate in the counts. Volunteers are stationed at vantage points around the lakes where they watch for bald eagles during a one-hour period on count mornings. Volunteers record their observations on maps and data sheets.

Volunteers for the local count at Lake Hemet should meet at the Lake Hemet Market at 8:30 a.m. for orientation. Contact Heidi Hoggan via email at [email protected] or by phone at 909-382-2945 for more information.

Other sites were the count is conducted include Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Silverwood and Lake Perris.

Contact Rari Marks ([email protected] or 909-382-2600, ext. 4075) for more information about Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory.

Volunteers interested in Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area should contact Kathy Williams or Mark Wright at 760-389-2303 or email [email protected].

Lake Perris State Recreation Area volunteers should contact the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum office for more information at 951-940-5600.