'Eagle Watch Week' begins Dec. 26
<p>A bald eagle feeds on a kokanee salmon while perched on a tree branch near Higgins Point along the eastern section of Lake Coeur d'Alene, in this file photo taken in December 2012. </p>
COEUR d'ALENE - "Eagle Watch Week" begins on Wednesday, Dec. 26 along the eastern shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Through Dec. 30, the Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Department of Fish and Game staff two interpretive sites offering prime eagle viewing. One is at BLM's Mineral Ridge boat launch, and the other at BLM's Mineral Ridge trailhead.
Both are along Highway 97, about 8 miles east of Coeur d'Alene.
During the five-day event, hundreds of spectators are expected to visit the two locations to take advantage of the high power spotting scopes, mounted displays and interpretive materials offered by the agencies.
Eagle "ambassadors" will be on site each day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer questions regarding the lifestyles of bald eagles. Each location also offers covered shelter for viewing in the case of inclement weather.
Spectators are asked to be extra cautious when parking and walking to the sites along Highway 97.
Vehicle travel is not restricted and pedestrians should be respectful of drivers by not walking in the main travel way or using the shoulder to scout for eagles.
In rare cases, severe weather does not permit setting up equipment or staffing the viewing sites. Therefore, the BLM has set up an "Eagle Watch Hotline" from Dec. 26 through 30.
An updated status will be available by calling 769-5048 after 9 a.m. each day.
Should the event be cancelled for the day, the BLM will also post a message at http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/Districts-Idaho/CDA/coeur_d_alene.html.
Info: Carrie Hugo, wildlife biologist, 769-5048 or visit the field office website to learn about trends and statistics of the annual eagle migration.