Seats available for osprey cruise Saturday

COEUR d’ALENE — A few recent cancellations have opened seats on the 20th annual Coeur d'Alene Chamber Osprey Cruise on Saturday.

Sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce Natural Resource Committee, cruise-goers are invited to participate in this one-of-a-kind event on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Guests will tour Cougar Bay on the Mish-an-Nock to see the ospreys, which are a fishing hawk indigenous to North Idaho. The birds return every spring, often to the same nests with the same mates.

On the cruise, osprey and wildlife experts will provide information and answer questions to help attendees learn more about these iconic birds. Specialists from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe also participate and will be available to answer questions and provide information about the lake and its inhabitants and how it is managed and protected.

Reservations are essential. Remember to bring cameras, sunscreen, binoculars, sunglasses and hats. Refreshments will be available at the service bar.

Coeur d'Alene Cruises have been operating regularly while following health and safety guidelines.

Boarding is at 8:30 a.m. at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Boardwalk Marina, near the Third Street dock. Departure is 9 a.m. sharp. The cruise returns at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $20 per adult. Children 12 and younger accompanied by a paying adult are free. Senior and student tickets are $15. The family rate is $45 for two adults and three children up to age 18.

Call 208-664-3194 to register.