America's National Symbol Nothing in nature quite matches the sight of a bald eagle perched on a tree observing its surroundings like a king on a throne. What’s even more compelling is to watch a bald eagle spread its wings across the open skyline in suspended animation. Folks who want to experience this awesome sight can do so at Big Bear Lake. Each year more than a dozen bald eagles venture out from the great northern states like Idaho, Montana and Washington to the alpine resort for their winter vacations. 

I am fortunate to report that I’ve already seen three different bald eagles this year in Big Bear Lake. In fact, one of my all time dreams came true this year, which is to see an eagle dive into the water and catch its prey.

Before the recent snowstorm hit, about two weeks ago, I was on my way to meet my friend Rick at a pizza joint to have lunch with him and his two kids. I was late for lunch, but on my way over I recognized an eagle perched on a barren tree in the Stanfield Marsh Wildlife Preserve area (the absolute east end of Big Bear Lake). I called Rick to let him know that I was running late. He let me know that he and the kids already chowed down, which turned out to be an opportune time to introduce his kids to an experience they will remember for a long time.

Let’s face it kids love nature, and when they get to see something their friends in school have never seen before that’s when it becomes bragging rights. I met Rick and his kids at the pizza joint and they followed me over to the perch, which is near the corner of Division and Big Bear Blvd, right behind Riffenburg Lumber. As we arrived I watched the kids eyes light up. I pulled my handy binoculars from my truck and passed it around so everyone could get a close-up of the majestic creature. They were mesmerized, especially papa Rick. This was a new experience for all three flatlanders and it had quite a grip on them.

We watched for about a half hour, when all of a sudden it happened. The eagle lifted from the perch, opened its wings like a parachute, then spread the massive wind cutters and fluttered west above the lake. What a sight!

What was even more impressive is I finally got to witness my dream come true. We witnessed the bald eagle swoop down to nab its victim. What a sight indeed! It grabbed its prey in one swipe with its mighty talons, set sail again into the open sky and back to its perch to eat its lunch. We were all awestruck. I think it was a fish, but the kids think it was a bird. Either way it was an awesome experience that each one of us will remember forever.

Big Bear Lake is one of the few places in Southern California where one can see these majestic birds in the wilderness. In fact, Big Bear Discovery Center conducts tours each Saturday from December 22, 2007 to March 1, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Additional holiday tours are December 27, 28 and 30.

This should be on any Big Bear visitor’s itinerary this winter season. This is an opportunity to learn about America’s national bird and best of all see the bird in its natural habitat. To book the bald eagles tour log onto http://www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.

Fly Like and Eagle,
Daniel Pea