SAN JACINTO - Bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts who haven't taken part in the U.S. Forest Service's winter eagle count in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto mountains have one more chance next week before the season ends.

Rangers will hold their final census on Saturday, March 9, and requested that anyone interested join them at designated locations.

Volunteers are needed to watch for activity in traditional nesting areas around Big Bear Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lake Hemet, Lake Perris and Silverwood Lake.

No prior experience is needed, just warm clothes, a pair of binoculars and an hour to spare for each Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] count, according to agency spokesman John Miller.

He said children and groups are welcome to take part. Each eagle count will be preceded by a brief orientation meeting.

Eagles generally nest in the lakeside areas from late November to early April, according to the USFS. This was the 35th winter census in the Inland Empire. The counts began on the weekend of Dec. 15.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the eagle count at Lake Hemet is asked to call (909) 382-2935; at Lake Perris, (951) 940-5600; Big Bear Lake, or Lakes Arrowhead and Gregory, (909) 382-2832; and Silverwood Lake, (760) 389- 2303.