Four protected American bald eagles have been spotted during the ninth Annual Arkabutla Eagle Watch in DeSoto County.

The watch at Arkabutla Lake was part of the nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle survey, which monitors the wintering bald eagle populations in the lower 48 states.

Ranger Jamie Richmond says two of the birds were seen in their nest about a quarter mile from the Coldwater Point boat ramp. A juvenile bald eagle was spotted and photographed in a nearby bare tree. The fourth was seen at the Dub Patton area.