A golden time for eagle viewing in California

The eagles have landed in California, and some parks and recreation areas are starting tours. Rangers and staff at the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, about 20 miles northeast of Fresno, are taking tourists in boats around the water for viewings of the birds of prey. Tours are at 8 a.m. the first three weekends in December and weekends in January and February. The $15 tour price includes park admission. Info: (559) 822-2332, www.parks.ca.gov. (Wear warm clothes and take binoculars.)

Two-hour eagle tours at Big Bear Lake (above, a bald eagle at the lake) begin at the Big Bear Discovery Center, 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays from Dec. 22 to March 1, with extra tours on Dec. 28 and 30. Tours are $30 for adults (snacks, water, telescope and binoculars provided). Reservations: (909) 866-3437. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area in Santa Barbara County also has two-hour lake tours through February. Reservations: (805) 686-5055, weekends. Cost: $15 for adults.