Annual eagle watch week to begin Dec. 27

The annual migration of bald eagles to Lake Coeur d’Alene is on. The eagles take advantage of the abundant kokanee spawn on Lake Coeur d’Alene en route from British Columbia to warmer winter locales. For nearly eight weeks, they grace the skies above the lake, putting on a fabulous aerobatic display for the public.

Beginning in late November each year, BLM’s Coeur d’Alene Field Office Wildlife Biologist conducts a weekly count along a set route. Last week 257 eagles were counted, clearly showing the migration is fully underway.

The annual Eagle Watch Week will begin Tuesday, Dec. 27 and run through Saturday, Dec. 31. During these five days, representatives from the BLM and Idaho Department of Fish and Game will team up to provide interpretive information about bald eagles at the BLM’s Mineral Ridge boat launch parking lot and the trailhead parking lot on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day — except for an early 2 p.m. closing on Saturday, Dec. 31 — the public can enjoy the use of high-powered spotting scopes, view mounted specimens and learn interesting information related to the lifestyles of our regal national symbol.

Visitors to the Eagle Watch designated locations are strongly encouraged to use the designated parking areas and not park on the shoulder of Highway 97. Normal vehicle travel is not restricted on the highway, and both drivers and pedestrians should be respectful of traffic by not walking in the travel way or utilizing the shoulder to scout for eagles.

There are rare cases when severe weather does not permit setting up equipment or staffing of the viewing sites, so the BLM has set up an “Eagle Watch Hotline” from Dec. 27-31. A daily status update will be available by calling (208) 769-5048 after 9 a.m.