Plenty of eagles still soaring

COEUR d'ALENE - Plenty of bald eagles are still soaring around Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Carrie Hugo, Bureau of Lands Management wildlife biologist, said Thursday she counted 204 adults and 33 immature eagles.

Last year at this time the peak count was on Dec. 23 with 202 adults and 52 immature.

Hugo reported that viewing conditions were fairly difficult because of the sun shining into the scope and the snow on the trees.

"As usual, lots of birds on the south shore across from Higgens Point and many on the west side of Beauty Bay," she wrote.

The Mineral Ridge Trailhead parking lot was packed with eagle watchers, too, she added.

"There are still many kokanee floundering around and there were plenty of opportunities to see eagles fishing on the wing today," she wrote.