March 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

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Page 6—March 2022Bald eagle egg watch continuesNo pip nor a peep as March arrives,but both could happen any day now.Two eggs laid by Big Bear residentbald eagle Jackie in late January aredue to hatch at any time, perhaps even asyou read these words. Incubation time istypically 35 days which would put thehatch date the first week of March, whenBig Bear could potentially welcome twobaby eaglets into the world.Internet viewers from around theworld can watch it all unfold online atFriendsofBigBearValley.org/eagles. Thesolar-powered nest cam installed by thegroup has been online since 2015 and hasshown both Jackie and mate Shadow takingturns diligently incubating their eggs.Mostly it’s been Mama sitting on theeggs, only occasionally allowing Shadowto participate. In turn he’s mostly beenbringing sticks back to the nest and theoccasional trout from the lake to share withJackie. On one occasion he returned witha half-eaten coot, one of the duck-like birdsfrequenting the water, not her favorite foodbut it had to do.During the late February storm thatbrought a foot of snow to the Valley theeagles huddled over the eggs as white stuffpiled up around them. All in anticipationof the first signs of hatching, which oftenstart with a pip as the egg cracks and thena peep with signs of life inside.Hopefully the end result will be betterthan 2021, when two of the eggs wereconsumed by ravens and the third crackedduring a difficult delivery for Jackie. Lastyear Shadow went AWOL for a coupledays and Jackie didn’t stick around asmuch either, straying from the nest forhours at a time, leaving the eggs vulnerableto scavengers. It just seemed neitherbird was into the parenting thing, with increasedhuman activity—despite closuresigns—floated as one reason why.A second clutch of two eggs arrived afew weeks later but also failed to hatch.One egg seemed to come close after a pipwas detected. Several reasons the eggsnever hatched were given; cold temperatureswere one. Or perhaps they were justinfertile eggs or the embryos died duringincubation or were unable to break out oftheir shells."Sometimes Mother Nature can beharsh and disappoint us with our humanhopes," the Forest Service said on itsFacebook page, a message that it repeatedin January. "Getting a glimpse into the dailylives of this beautiful bald eagle pair hasbeen a real treat. Bald eagles have a verystrong fidelity to their nest sites."The eagle nest has been active since2013, a year after the first recorded birthof a bald eagle chick in Big Bear Valleythat was successfully raised to fledge. Eggshave been laid, typically in pairs, in subsequentyears with mixed results; only oneeagle survived the previous two years aswell, winter storms taking their toll. Themortality rate for bald eagle eggs and eagletsis 50% though in recent years BigFull Hot & Cold DeliGroceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • LottoTry Our FamousRotisserie Chicken& Kabobs!We cut the highestQuality MeatsDailyAwardWinners:1stLiquor2ndGroceries2017Chamber ofCommerceExcellencein Business!Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip,Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too!(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 DaysCommunity Market100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City1 mile east of The Convention CenterBear’s has exceeded that.That the Valley hosts transitory birdsmigrating from colder northern climates includingMontana, Canada and even Alaskais no surprise; Big Bear is along the PacificMigratory Flyway and affords reliablefishing. The lake rarely freezes entirelyand if it does it traps intellectuallychallengedcoots into frozen water whichthen become easy pickings.Now a population of Big Bear-bornbirds is being established, estimated ataround a half-dozen eagles or so. Shadowand Jackie began prepping their home lastfall and continued to bond in December,setting the stage for 2022 nesting season.The area around the bald eagle nest isclosed by Forest order. Still some ignorethe well-posted closure, potentially spookingthe birds. “Bald eagles are known toabandon nests, eggs and young when feelingthreatened by human activities,” saidMarc Stamer, district ranger for theMountaintop Ranger District.“We are very excited to see bald eaglescontinuing to successfully reside and raiseyoung in this part of the forest,” Stamersaid. “But that success is shared by the publicwho continue to adhere to an area closurearound the nest.” The area closure includeslower Gray’s Peak Trail and GroutBay picnic area among others.Bald eagle tours have been a thing ofthe past for some time and celebrations thattook their place aren’t happening thanksto the virus. So people who want to spotbald eagles in the wild are on their own,doable if you’re willing to work at it. Scandeadtop trees around the lake with a goodview of the water and you’ll often spotbirds, especially on aptly-named EaglePoint along the south shore. There’s a wellknownperch tree in the area that oftenharbors bald eagles.“Start at Grout Bay and use binocu-Big Bear TodayThe live nest cam captured newly-arrived eagle eggs in late JanuaryIf You Can’t Pick Us Up...Click Us Up!bigbeartodaymag.comlars to see a nest from the gangway at CaptainJohn’s Marina,” said Trisha DaleGreen, eagle photographer and moderatorof a popular Facebook page. “In a boatgo toward the dam and look near GilnerPoint. Or drive to the west ramp and treesabove Stanfield Cutoff.”The wrong way to see them is by usinga drone. Last year one of the remotevehicles was spotted buzzing above theeagle nest. Obviously not a good idea sincebald eagles (and golden eagles also) areprotected by Federal legislation against harassmentthat includes not only drone operationsbut also trespassing that can includesnow play.Instead watch the eagles atFriendsofBigBearValley.org/eagles andfollow Big Bear Lake Bald Eagles groupon Facebook. There’s also a new wide viewcam that allows viewers to see the eaglesfly into and out of the nest.Call Forest Service (909) 382-2790Animal Sanctuary toursLearn the stories of rescued crittersduring one-hour tours of Grateful HeartAnimal Sanctuary in Big Bear City.Horses, burros, chickens, ducks,roosters, bunnies, goats, pigs, dogs, cats,even a steer have found forever homesat the nonprofit, volunteer-run facility.Enjoy up-close personal interactions withgoats and pigs while touring the propertyand learning the stories of how theyended up at Grateful Heart Animal Sanctuary,a 100% volunteer run facility.Many of the farm animals have beenabused, abandoned, neglected, have specialneeds or are otherwise at risk. Toursare a fun and educational experiencewhere questions are always welcomed.Tours are set for March 5, 12 and26. and April 30. Admission is $10, $5under 18, with proceeds going to feedand care for the animals including veterinarycare, supplies and equipment.Tours take place regardless ofweather so dress appropriately. Ticketsales end two days prior to each tour sobook in advance by calling (909) 979-9333, or visit BigBear.com
Big Bear Today March 2022—Page 7ARESORT SHORTSAWhat's Happening at Snow Summit & Bear MountainCut lift lines, raise money How to save a buck or 2at Ski-A-Thonat Big Bear resortsCut lift lines while raising money for Everyone loves to save money and thea good cause when the annual Ski-A-Thon Big Bear area resorts have a few discountsbenefitting the Adaptive Ski School returns out there for the 2021-22 winter season.to Bear Mountain on March 12.* Reload! Keep that lift pass you’veThis is a fundraiser with an emphasis purchased and save on future visits. Newon fun as skiers and snowboarders cut lift RFID technology at Snow Summit andlines all day, a priceless privilege indeed Bear Mountain saves money as well aswhen conditions are right. There’s opportunitytime, up to $41 on future dates, by reload-drawings for prizes all day and it’s ing your pass instead of replacing. And asall about helping get the disabled out onto always, purchase skiing and riding in advancethe slopes. More than one Ski-A-Thon hasto save serious money.fallen on powder days through the years *Celebrate your birthday on the slopestoo.and Big Bear resorts will give you a freeTruly everyone wins during this popularlift ticket for a gift! Must be on your actualevent. Getting in on the fun is easy— birthday; present valid ID on your specialall registration in 2022 is online with participantsday and ski or ride both resorts for free.needing to raise a minimum $200 * And if you’ve made it to 80 yearsfor individuals or $600 for teams of four. old, congratulations! Every day is now freeGet friends, families or coworkers to sponsorsince you’ve lived long ernough to qualifyyou or just write a tax-deductible check for the resorts’ senior discount. Ages 4 andfor a great, inspiring day on the mountain under get free tickets too.that includes lunch, swag bag and more. *Snow Summit and Bear MountainParticipants get their own personal honor active duty military members andfundraising website where donors can pay their families with discounts all seasonwith credit cards, E-checks and Pay-Pal. long. Present a current active duty militaryThose who solicit larger amounts are in line ID at the window and get 25% off lift tickets,win prizes like Bear Mountain and Mammothrentals and lessons. Or purchase in ad-lift tickets, lodging and more. vance from MWR/ITT offices; for a list ofThe donation includes all-day lift participating bases call (909) 866-5766 ext.ticket plus those precious line cutting privileges,126. There’s also Uniform Days whenlunch voucher, cotton event T-shirt badge-carrying military and emergencyand famous “Survival Kit” swag bag filled personnel ski or ride for $59 (see below).with all kinds of goodies. Also there’s an * Reserve Saturday rental equipmentopportunity drawing for a 2022-23 Snow in advance and get a free Friday night liftSummit and Bear Mountain anytime seasonticket at Snow Summit. Pick up Saturday’spass.gear after 5 p.m. Friday and carve that nightNo deck party after thanks to the virusfor free.but the day still should be a blast. Visit * Season passes always save moneywww.USARC.org or call (909) 584-0269. if you ski or ride more than a few days.Perks, Party on March 10While Snow Summit and Bear Mountainpasses are not currently available, look forfor Chase Sapphire cards them to go on sale in March along withIkon and Ikon Base Passes valid at some47 destinations around the globe. IncludingBig Bear, plus Mammoth and JuneMountains, Utah areas like Deer Valley andSolitude, Canada’s Big 3 of Lake Louise,Sunshine Village and Norquay, and more.If a Chase Sapphire credit card is inyour wallet, you’re in for a great day atSnow Summit on Thursday, March 10.Chase is showing its appreciation forcard members with an array of perks at theresort. Like free premium parking for thefirst 50 spots from 8-10 a.m. Along withresort-wide discounts that include 15% offfood, beverage and retail.Plus there’s free access to GrizzlyRidge inner tubing hill. Along with apresski party at Hawks 52 from 3-4 p.m.In addition the first 75 members receivea free beanie and $20 gift card. Justvisit the designated Chase Sapphire Appreciationwindows to redeem your credentialsbetween 8:30 a.m.-noon.Visit BigBearMountainResort.com orcall (909) 866-5766.If You Can’t Pick Us Up...Click Us Up!bigbeartodaymag.comDiscount Tickets forHeroes on Uniform DaysSnow Summit and Bear Mountaincontinue to show gratitude to all military,emergency and medical personnel by offeringdiscount lift tickets during popularUniform Day promotions.Police, fire, EMT and active militaryneed only flash their badges or proper IDat Snow Summit or Bear Mountain windowsto purchase an all-day lift ticket for$59 plus 2% TBID charge during UniformDays with final dates for this season setfor March 2-3.Remember these are two-mountainpasses for the discounted price of one andthere’s a free shuttle running between theresorts every half hour.StandardMotel Rooms$85with Fireplace& Queen BedNon-Holiday / MidweekWeekends Slightly HigherSubject to change without notice.CLOSE TO VILLAGE,LAKE, DINNINGCLOSE to SLOPES!DeluxeSpa Rooms$145with CozyFireplace(800) 255-4378local (909) 866-216641121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CAwww.BlackForestLodge.comNEWWEBSITELive weather!Photo Gallery!PDF Reader!If you can’t pick us up ... then click us up!Monthly!Your Best Source for activities and happenings in the Big Bear Lake AreaSummer!Fall!Winter!Lake ActivitiesBoating • Fishing • HikingBiking & Special EventsFollow UsOn Facebook!All Things Oktoberfest!Join the Two Month long Celebrationwith all the insider information.Essential Information about the#1 Ski Resorts in Southern Californiafor All Skiers, Snowboarders& SnowplayersBig Bear's Best Calendar of Events• Lodging • Attractions • Much More!All Available On-line: www.BigBearTodayMag.com
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March 2022 Big Bear Today Magazine

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