Annual 'Eagle Watch' week begins Dec. 26

COEUR d'ALENE - Lake Coeur d'Alene is now offering the perfect venue for families to view the American bald eagle. Last week, a record 259 eagles were counted along the east end of the lake by Bureau of Land Management wildlife biologist Carrie Hugo.

"This abundance of eagles, combined with the picturesque winter setting of the lake, creates a unique family adventure," according to a press release.

Beginning Monday, Dec. 26 and continuing through Jan. 1, the BLM and Idaho Fish and Game will host "Eagle Watch" - a free event for families and all eagle enthusiasts.

Staff from each agency will be available with spotting scopes, informational brochures and "eagle expertise" at the Mineral Ridge boat launch and trailhead parking areas. These two premiere viewing sites are open to the public and offer free parking from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day during eagle watch week.

The eagles congregating along Lake Coeur d'Alene have traveled south from Canada, following the spawn of the kokanee salmon.

"In recent years, the spawn of these land-locked salmon has become more and more abundant, thus attracting record numbers of the raptors," the release said.

Both adult birds, with the traditional black and white markings, as well as many immature eagles, which are brown in color, are gracing the shores of the lake in search of the kokanee. December is typically the peak month to view the eagles before they move to their winter havens in mid to late January.

"Eagle Watch" sites can be accessed by traveling east of Coeur d'Alene on I-90 to exit 22 and then traveling south around Wolf Lodge Bay.

Both sites are well signed and have ample parking. Travelers are reminded to use caution along the access to the eagle watch sites as the road is narrow and is heavily used.

For additional information and a current eagle count, visit BLM's Coeur d'Alene Field Office website: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/coeur_d_alene.html or contact the Field Office at (208) 769-5000.