© Brandon Pantorno Bald eagle captured at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage

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Rancho Mirage, known as the presidents' playground, has a rich political history.

Former President Barack Obama first visited the city in 2013 and an upcoming visit is scheduled by President Donald Trump on Feb. 19. But before Trump could make his way to the valley, a different American icon was seen hanging around town.

On Feb. 8, visitors at Sunnylands Center and Gardens, formerly the Annenberg Estate, spotted a bald eagle on the property.

While seeing a bald eagle onsite is a first for Sunnylands, bird sightings are not uncommon for the location. Bird walks with an expert are held weekly and the center is home to over 70 plant species making it a diverse environment for wildlife.

"Throughout the past five years, we have documented over 150 different bird species on property," Michaeleen Gallagher, Director of Education and Environmental Services at Sunnylands, told the Desert Sun. "There are a significant number of birds people don't realize are in our area."

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The bald eagle, America's national bird, can only be found in North America. According to the California Department of Fishing and Wildlife, the best time to see bald eagles is during the winter months from December to March. In January, the eagles migrate to spend their winter in California and join other eagles that live here year round.

"Yes it is unusual, but it is not unheard of to see bald eagles in the valley," said Linda York, executive director of the Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center. "I suspect the bird was here to fish or looking for territory."

Just outside the valley, Big Bear is home to Shadow and Jackie, two bald eagles which have laid eggs there twice now.

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Last season they laid two eggs. Only one, Simba, survived and has now left the nest. For the 2020 season, the couple laid two eggs.

A live stream of their nest has been set up by Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit focused on preserving the San Bernardino National Forest. The eggs were predicted to hatch around Valentine's Day.

Amaray Alvarez is an intern at The Desert Sun. You may reach her at amaray.alvarez@desertsun.com

This article originally appeared on The Desert Sun: Bald eagles in the Coachella Valley? One was spotted at Sunnylands