by Harley McAllister Each year as the seasons change to winter, the kokanee spawn in Coeur d'Alene lake and the bald eagles congregate for the feast. Best of all, this all takes place in an area that is very accessible to anyone, and the birds are so plentiful and close that it is easy to see good numbers of these huge birds and capture some good photos. |  Eagles are plentiful this time of year in certain areas of Cd'A Lake |
It is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cd'A to Higgens point, the best place to go. The birds are a little more active in the mornings when they are hungry coming off of the nighttime, but we often just go during the warmest part of the days and still see plenty of birds flying. You are basically guaranteed to see multiple eagles even if you just stick to the paved path of about half a mile/15 minute walk.
If you are a little more adventurous you can head on some of the gravel/dirt trails and get a closer look. From the parking lot you will walk the paved bike trail toward Higgens point, and about 30 yards past the statue of the photographer two paths will veer off to the right of the main trail, effectively giving you three options (staying on the paved trail or two to the right). The far right trail leads down to the beach and the docks, but the middle trial contours the side of the hill at an elevation that offers up close views of the eagles perched in the pine trees.
Here is a link to a BLM website that has bird count information, directions to the main viewing areas, and other good information. This is a great opportunity for up close wildlife viewing of an iconic bird, and even after many years we never tire of going. The peak time is just a couple weeks away and there are already 40+ mature eagles in the area - so what are you waiting for? Go. Outside. Now.
If you are a little more adventurous you can head on some of the gravel/dirt trails and get a closer look. From the parking lot you will walk the paved bike trail toward Higgens point, and about 30 yards past the statue of the photographer two paths will veer off to the right of the main trail, effectively giving you three options (staying on the paved trail or two to the right). The far right trail leads down to the beach and the docks, but the middle trial contours the side of the hill at an elevation that offers up close views of the eagles perched in the pine trees.
Here is a link to a BLM website that has bird count information, directions to the main viewing areas, and other good information. This is a great opportunity for up close wildlife viewing of an iconic bird, and even after many years we never tire of going. The peak time is just a couple weeks away and there are already 40+ mature eagles in the area - so what are you waiting for? Go. Outside. Now.
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