Get a close-up view of eagles

The Bureau of Land Management, in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises, will once again sponsor Veterans Eagle Watch Cruises on Lake Coeur d'Alene this year.

Two admission-free cruises will be offered Saturday, Nov. 30 to local veterans, active military and their immediate families from the North Idaho area. The first two-hour cruise to the east end of Lake Coeur d'Alene will depart at 10 a.m. and the second two-hour cruise will leave at 1 p.m.

Each boat will only accommodate 150 participants each, therefore first priority for seating is given to veterans and active military personnel who have never before taken advantage of this opportunity. Immediate family is limited to a total party of six, including the veteran or military personnel.

Reservations are required and will be taken today and continuing Thursday, if necessary. Please call Suzanne Endsley at (208) 769-5004 during the business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make a reservation.

Because the cruises fill quickly, the current status of available seating will be posted on the BLM's Coeur d'Alene District website at www.blm.gov/id/st/en/Districts-Idaho/CDA.html as well as the Bureau of Land Management Idaho Facebook page.

We encourage you to check one of these sites before calling.

Boarding for the cruises is located at the Coeur d'Alene Resort Lake Cruises boat dock on the east end of the Resort. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, bring binoculars and cameras and come learn about the spectacular birds that migrate to the lake during the winter months. Food and beverage is available for purchase aboard the ship.