Save a spot: Veterans Eagle Watch cruise reservations will be taken Thursday only

Each year, the Bureau of Land Management in partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, offers military veterans, active duty personnel and their families an opportunity to view the nation’s great symbol – the bald eagle – aboard cruise boats on Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Two Eagle Watch cruises will be offered Saturday, Dec. 3 free of charge to veterans, active duty personnel and their families who have never participated on the cruises before.

Reservations are required through the Coeur d’Alene District Office and the group size is limited to six people.

Reservations will be taken for one day only, on Thursday, Nov. 17, beginning at 8:30 a.m. until filled. Past Eagle Watch cruise particpants are asked to refrain from calling so others can have an opportunity to attend.

A morning cruise is offered from 10 a.m. to noon and an afternoon cruise sails from 1-3 p.m. Both cruises offer participants birds-eye views of bald eagles in flight above Lake Coeur d’Alene and perched on public lands near Mineral Ridge.

Reservations for the morning cruise can be made today by calling Suzanne at (208) 769-5004. Reservations for the afternoon cruise can be made today by calling Connie at (208) 769-5011.

Because the cruises fill quickly, the current status of available seating will be posted on the BLM Idaho’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BLMIdaho. Those interested are encouraged to check that page before calling.

Cruises board one-half-hour prior to the planned sailing time at the east side docks of The Coeur d’Alene Resort. Participants are encouraged to dress warmly, bring binoculars and cameras, and come learn about these spectacular birds that migrate to the Lake during the winter months. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board the ship.