EAGLES: Problem at Beauty Bay

Many photographers from Washington and Idaho have enjoyed taking photos of the eagles’ winter time feeding activity at the bay. But the enjoyment, safety and availability of that hobby “may” change.

Idaho State Police responded to an incident involving a motorist driving by and stopping in the middle of the highway several times, upsetting other motorists on the road. Why she stopped is unknown; looking for eagles, at photographers, who knows.

But the result was we were told it is illegal to park in the 30 by 50-foot turnout which enables parking completely off the pavement and close to the viewing point.

So the reason for this letter! All the years I have parked there I have seen both sheriff and state patrol vehicles pass by with no issues.

Now because of a phone call, photographers will be forced to park either three-quarters of a mile to the north or over a mile east and walk with gear down the narrow highway to the favorite shooting point.

I don’t plan on walking down the middle of the highway, but with thousands in camera equipment I’m not stumbling down the rocky ditch next to the cliff wall for three quarters of a mile.

I’m hoping common sense will prevail and this parking spot will be reopened to those wishing to view the eagles.

STEVEN KJELDGAARD

Newman Lake, Wash.