Bald Eagles

bald eagle in big bear you say?

We love our Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake, CA!

When most people think of bald eagles, they probably think of Donald Trump holding one of these majestic birds, his orange hair flying in the wind. The bald eagle may be holding a loaded shotgun in its beak or might have an American flag draped over its feathered wings; this big bird is the national symbol of the United States after all. Up until the 1960s or ’70s, these feathered patriotic creatures were abundant in the southern California skies. Now in the year 2020, it’s been rumored that maybe thirty pairs of nesting bald eagles soar the sunny skies of southern California. Eagles nest here in Big Bear, California, each winter and call this mountain town their home. Bald eagles tend to mate for life and the females tend to be larger than the males. Female bald eagles can get to be up to fourteen pounds!

Bald Eagle on Tree
Is it just me, or is this way more majestic than a turkey?

Obviously, we know who is in charge in this bird relationship. A great place to see the majestic bald eagles in action, Big Bear Lake, is just two hours outside the concrete jungle of Los Angeles. Big Bear Lake, with its aqua blue waters, Jeffrey pine-studded shores and clear blue skies, is a tranquil haven for these majestic raptors to call home.

Before you start your search for Big Bear Lake’s bald eagles, make sure you purchase a good set of waterproof binoculars like these!

Besides being one of the founding fathers of our country, Benjamin Franklin had some pretty rude things to say about this bird that is now a national symbol of freedom in our country. Benjamin Franklin thought that the bald eagle was a lazy, lazy bird and not a good example of what a patriotic bird should be. This spawned from the fact that eagles do tend to scavenge for their food, dead salmon carcasses and the like. And they do tend to steal food from other creatures. Because of these reasons, our national bird was so almost the turkey, yes, that delicious Thanksgiving treat.

I holidayed in Alaska when I was in my twenties and I was shocked by how many bald eagles were in the Talkeetna area. We went out with a nature guide and he was an expert on just how to spot this majestic bird. One thing I learned about the bald eagle on this vacation, that I will never forget, bald eagles are not killed mostly by poachers as I was taught in elementary school. When bald eagles in Alaska fish for their supper, they usually try to catch delicious wild red salmon. Some of these salmon can weigh upwards of twenty pounds and if an eagle gets their claws in a big one they can’t unlatch their claws and they often drown if they can not float to the nearby shore with the kill.

Close Up Photography of White Black Eagle during Daytime
“Trout? I prefer wild Alaskan Salmon! Someone drive to Whole Foods”

Bald eagles’ six to seven-foot wingspan actually allows them to use their wings as oars and attempt to float to shore with large fish.  That’s obviously not a problem for our bald eagles of Big Bear Lake, as our bald eagles live on a steady diet of trout and they would be lucky to catch one over a few pounds. Besides drowning bald eagles are also killed by pesticide exposure and the decimation of their habitat. Big Bear Lake is a great place for eagles to nest, as they don’t face these issues in our mountain town above six thousand feet.

Big Bear Lake, where the eagle’s nest

If you are looking for family fun for free in Big Bear Lake, go to the lake shore and go sightseeing for bald eagles. Even with the bald eagle being an endangered species since 1976, visitors are always surprised to learn that Big Bear has the highest wintering population of nesting bald eagles in southern California. Bundling up and going out to the lake shore to search the skies for bald eagles is a fun year-round morning activity in Big Bear Lake. Walk the pedestrian path alongside the lake and keep an eye to the sky about an hour after dawn. That is when you are most likely to see bald eagles fishing for breakfast. We normally have about twelve to fifteen bald eagles that nest in Big Bear year-round and they love to fish just after dawn.

Photo of bald Eagles Perched on Tree Branches
Bald eagles don’t get the characteristic white face until 4-6 years old.

There are enough trout and bass in Big Bear Lake to keep shore fishermen happy, boaters out trolling our lake and even keep the bald eagle flock of Big Bear Lake very well fed. Big Bear is such a thrilling place to come out and vacation because it is so easy to spot our wild bald eagles. Another fun way to spot bald eagles is to go out kayaking on the lake early in the morning. Kayak rentals are very inexpensive. If you go out early to kayak or fish Big Bear’s shores, just keep your eyes to the sky and you have a good chance to also see bald eagles fishing.

If you are really into trying to sight the bald eagles of Big Bear Lake, you can actually volunteer most years to be a bald eagle counter from December through March. It’s basically like being a census worker but it’s not a paid position and you are counting big ass birds and not human population. Volunteers have been counting our biggest bird of Big Bear since 1978.

The bald eagles, the big news in a small town

The population of the bald eagles in Big Bear is such big news in this small town.

Bald Eagle Head
“I’ll lay an egg (or two) when I feel like it!” says Mama eagle.

It’s amazing how loved these majestic birds are in this community. The whole area of Big Bear near a popular hiking trail, Grey’s Peak, is closed, basically all winter, while the eagle’s nest while locals hope and pray there will be baby bald eagles by the springtime.  Mama eagle tends to lay the eggs in her nest, around the end of February or the beginning of March. Big Bear even has an eagle cam so locals can watch the eagles nest and wait on pins and needles for the baby eaglet to hatch. Yes, we Big Bearians live in a town without a major sports stadium or shopping mall, so yes, we consider watching the eagle cam on our smartphones a good time.

We feel fortunate that the eagles nest here in Big Bear Lake year-round. The bald eagles of Big Bear Lake are huge and majestic when you see them up close. Didn’t see any bald eagles lakeside on your holiday to Big Bear? Head on over to the Big Bear Zoo to see this beautiful feathered symbol of or country. At our rehabilitation zoo in Big Bear Lake, they have a few bald eagles in captivity and you can get up close to the eagles from a safe distance, or maybe even take a selfie. Do you own a selfie stick with a tripod? This is my favorite selfie stick for travel. As a worldwide traveler, I take it everywhere!

🦅 Bald Eagles in Big Bear Lake FAQ

Where can you see bald eagles in Big Bear Lake?

You can spot bald eagles along the shoreline of Big Bear Lake, especially:

  • The Pedal Path (north shore)
  • Lakeside walking trails
  • Early morning kayaking or fishing spots

The best strategy? Keep your eyes on the sky about an hour after sunrise.

What is the best time of day to see bald eagles in Big Bear?

The best time is early morning, about an hour after dawn, when eagles are actively fishing for food.

This is when they are most visible flying over the lake or perched near the shoreline.

How many bald eagles live in Big Bear Lake?

Big Bear Lake typically has around 12 to 15 bald eagles that live and nest in the area year-round.

It’s one of the highest wintering populations of bald eagles in Southern California.

When is bald eagle nesting season in Big Bear?

Bald eagle nesting season in Big Bear Lake usually occurs:

  • Egg laying: Late February to early March
  • Winter nesting season: December through March

During this time, certain areas (like near nesting sites) may be closed to protect the eagles.

Can you see bald eagles year-round in Big Bear Lake?

Yes—bald eagles live in Big Bear year-round, but winter is the best time to see them, when more eagles are active and visible.

Why is Big Bear Lake a good habitat for bald eagles?

Big Bear provides:

  • A steady food supply (trout and bass)
  • Clean mountain environment
  • Fewer pesticide and habitat threats
  • Quiet nesting areas at higher elevation

These conditions make it an ideal place for bald eagles to thrive.

What do bald eagles eat in Big Bear Lake?

Bald eagles in Big Bear mainly eat:

  • Trout
  • Bass
  • Fish from the lake

Unlike coastal or Alaskan eagles, they typically catch smaller fish, which reduces risk while hunting.

How big are bald eagles?

Bald eagles are massive birds:

  • Wingspan: 6 to 7 feet
  • Weight: Up to 14 pounds (females are larger)

They are one of the most impressive birds you’ll see in the wild.

Do bald eagles mate for life?

Yes—bald eagles typically mate for life and return to the same nesting areas each year.

Can you volunteer to help monitor bald eagles in Big Bear?

Yes—Big Bear offers a bald eagle counting program during winter (December–March).

Volunteers help track eagle populations—basically a bird census, but way more interesting.

What is the Big Bear eagle cam?

Big Bear has a live eagle cam where you can watch nesting activity in real time.

Locals closely follow:

  • Egg laying
  • Hatching of eaglets
  • Daily nest activity

It’s surprisingly addictive.

What should I do if I don’t see bald eagles in the wild?

If you don’t spot any in nature, you can visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, where rehabilitated bald eagles are housed.

This gives you a chance to see them up close in a safe environment.

Is seeing bald eagles a good free activity in Big Bear Lake?

Yes—eagle watching is one of the best free things to do in Big Bear Lake, especially in winter.

All you need is:

  • Warm clothing
  • A little patience
  • A good vantage point by the lake