A Majestic Symbol on the Lake

Take in the breathtaking views of the treasured bald eagle. Article and photos by Jamie Sedlmayer.

As winter settles in on North Idaho, so do our yearly guests who are not only the symbol of America but have become a symbol of winter on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The American Bald Eagles that come to enjoy the feast of dying kokanee make for great entertainment. The eagles usually arrive in mid-November and stay until late January offering people an opportunity to witness them up close and personal. You’ll find many of these beautiful birds perched in trees and diving for kokanee along Hwy 97 and Higgins Point.

There are many ways to experience the eagles on Lake Coeur d’Alene such as at an established viewing area, from your vehicle, from the shore, or from a boat. The eagle watching cruise from Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises is great for families and first time eagle watchers. During the two hour cruise you will travel along most of the eagle viewing areas and have the opportunity to learn about the eagles and their time on Lake Coeur d’Alene through video and guest speakers.

Viewing the eagles from one of the free viewing areas is a favorite of many. At Higgins Point there are opportunities to come face to face with an eagle. Many of their flight paths lead through the trees they perch upon allowing you to enter into a virtual eagle tree house. This is the same reason many love Mineral Ridge trail on Hwy 97. Hearing their wings make a snap sound as they take off, feeling the pine needles drop on you as the branch shakes, and seeing a massive 14-pound bird drop from a tree and soar away is an incredible experience. It’s that close proximity to the eagles that seems to make the established viewing areas attractive to so many people, especially those looking to capture an image of an eagle. Every year thousands of people flock with their cameras to hopefully catch a shot of that beautiful five foot wingspan spreading as it drops talons down onto a fish just before it swoops back up and glides away inches above the water. From cell phones to DSLR’s with 500mm lenses, there is no shortage of cameras on the shores and trails during our eagle season on the lake.

No matter where you choose to view the eagles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Do not harass or bother the eagles, never throw anything at the eagles, and keep your pets on a leash when walking the eagle areas. Remember these are some of the most treasured animals in the country, and we are merely observers in their habitat. For more information on the eagle watching cruise, contact Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises at 208.765.4000.

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