Eagle-Eyed in Santa Barbara

Birders who want to add American bald eagles, Canada geese, snow geese and tundra swans to their sighting lists may want to head to Cachuma Lake, midway between Santa Barbara and Solvang, where there’s a new tour boat (pictured at right) offering eagle-viewing cruises.

The 43-foot Osprey, operated by the Santa Barbara County Park Department, offers two-hour, naturalist-led Eagle Cruises from Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Reservations are recommended.

In winter months, hundreds of bald eagles migrate from Northern California, Oregon, western Canada and Alaska, seeking the warmer climates and more abundant food sources of southern regions. Often they follow migrations of water fowl to inland lakes like Cachuma where food is plentiful and the impact of human development is minimal.

The naturalists at Cachuma Lake aim to keep it that way: the Osprey stays at least 200 yards from eagle roosting sites and naturalists suggest that photographers bring fast film, long lenses and tripods.

More than 275 species of birds have been identified at Lake Cachuma, which is also home to many large animals. For information and reservations, call (805) 568-2460.