Winter in Idaho presents the rare opportunity to view wildlife that you may not be able to see normally. Specifically for bird watchers, it’s prime time for eagle watching! Every year, hundreds of bald eagles flock to Lake Coeur d’Alene during the winter months. You can typically see them up in the trees or soaring high above the lake’s waters. If you have a chance to stop by this North Idaho lake this winter, be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Lake Coeur d'Alene is a hub of wildlife viewing all year long, but especially in the winter. From around November through February every year, dozens and dozens of bald eagles can be spotted around the lake's frosty surroundings.
Why exactly do the eagles choose Lake Coeur d'Alene for their winter hang-out? For food, of course! Thousands of kokanee salmon travel to the lake to spawn during the winter. The influx of spawning kokanee salmon is a straight-up feast for hungry eagles.
The number of eagles in the lake's area varies from year to year, but it's been known to get up to 200 or more. The Bureau of Land Management performs weekly counts throughout the season. The numbers are lower this year than they were at this same time last year, which researchers believe is due to low numbers of salmon.
The number of wintering eagles is lower than usual, but you should still have plenty of opportunities to view some bald eagles for yourself. The BLM suggests checking out areas like Higgins Point, Mineral Ridge Boat Ramp, and the Mineral Ridge Trailhead for viewing eagles.
There are also a few safety/viewing tips that all bird watchers should abide by. This includes staying as far away from the eagles as possible (bring binoculars!), parking off the main road, and staying in your vehicle to view nearby birds.
With some patience and some luck, you'll be able to get a good view of these beautiful birds in a spectacular winter habitat. Nothing beats the sight of America's most iconic bird sitting high up on a snow-covered tree branch!
You can even help out the BLM while viewing Lake Coeur d'Alene's eagles by recording your own eagle count through the iNaturalist phone app. Get more information and view the current eagle count at the BLM website here.
Have you visited Lake Coeur d’Alene to see the bald eagles this winter? What’s your favorite eagle-watching spot in Idaho? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!
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