SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) – Four bald eagles have been spotted near Southern California lakes in the season’s first bird count.

Bald eagles were removed from the endangered species list in 2007. Experts say pesticide restrictions, habitat protections and the release of captive-bred chicks have led to the eagle’s recovery.

During Saturday’s one-hour count, volunteers reported two adult bald eagles at Lake Hemet and one adult and one juvenile at Lake Perris.

No eagles were observed at Silverwood Lake.

The U.S. Forest Service says counts at Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead were cancelled due to snowy road conditions.

Bald eagles are usually found close to water because their diet is primarily made up of fish and ducks.

As winter approaches in the north, lakes freeze and waterfowl and bald eagles fly south.