Eagle Watch!
Each winter from November through February a migrating population of bald eagles visits the Lake Coeur d' Alene area to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. The BLM began counting bald eagles around Wolf Lodge Bay in 1974. The number of eagles returning to this area varies from year to year.
The official start of the annual Eagle Watch Week begins December 26, but we have already started counting. Keep checking our website to find out if we can exceed 2011's record-breaking numbers of visitors and eagles.
2012 Weekly Count
November 20: 58 adults, 6 juveniles = 64 total
November 27: 88 adults, 12 junveniles = 100 total
December 5: 84 adults, 37 juveniles = 121 total
December 13: 157 adults, 47 juveniles = 204 total
December 19: 208 adults, 49 juveniles = 260 total
December 28: 140 adults, 43 juveniles = 183 total
January 4: 126 adults, 31 juveniles = 157 total
January 10: 44 adults, 12 juveniles = 56 total
2011 Weekly Count
November 22: 6 adults, 6 juveniles = 12 total
November 29: 63 adults, 13 juveniles = 76 total
December 9: 112 adults, 24 juveniles = 136 total
December 16: 215 adults, 44 juveniles = 259 total
December 22: 204 adults, 33 juveniles = 237 total
December 29: 213 adults, 55 juveniles, 5 undistinguishable = 279 total
Safety / Viewing Tips
• Avoid disturbing the birds. Do not approach them on foot.
• Stay as far away from the birds as possible. Binoculars are essential.
• Stay in your vehicle if viewing nearby birds.
• Park off the main road.
Suggested viewing areas: Higgins Point, Mineral Ridge Boat Ramp,
Mineral Ridge Trail head
• Do not stop on the road or look for eagles while driving.
Interstate 90 and Highway 97 are heavily traveled.
Remember, it is illegal to stop in any traffic lane.
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