Annual Chamber Osprey Cruise July 9
Retired wildlife biologist Wayne Melquist holds a young osprey on Lake Coeur d'Alene. Tickets are on sale now for the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce's annual osprey cruise on July 9.
Courtesy photo
The 25th Annual Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber Osprey Cruise will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, and community members are invited to participate.
Boarding is at 8:30 a.m. at The Resort Boardwalk Marina, on the side of The Coeur d’Alene Resort nearest McEuen Park and Tubbs Hill. Departure is at 9 a.m. sharp.
The cruise will tour Lake Coeur d’Alene’s Cougar Bay on the two-story Mish-n-Nock, courtesy of event sponsor Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises and Capt. Carl Fus.
Osprey are a type of fish hawk native to the region’s lakes. Ospreys return in spring every year, often to the same nests with the same mate. Wildlife experts on ospreys and other area wildlife will provide information and answer questions to help cruise attendees learn more about these iconic North Idaho and Lake Coeur d’Alene birds. Mounted bird displays and other exhibits are part of the program.
This is one of the only opportunities for close viewing of ospreys in their nests during a public cruise. It is always a treat and often other birds are seen, sometimes including cormorants, varieties of ducks and grebes. Bald eagles often can be spotted from the boat on their nest overlooking the protected bay.
Wildlife and lake habitat specialists from the state, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the Bureau of Land Management and Inland NW Land Trust also are invited to participate and will be available to answer questions and provide information about the lake and its inhabitants, and how it and they are being managed and protected.
Cruise ticket prices are $20 per adult. Children 12 and younger accompanied by a paying adult are free. Family rates are $45 for two adults and three children up to age 18. Seniors (age 62 and older) and students are $15.
Early reservations are strongly suggested. Cruise attendance is limited to make the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone and allow good viewing for all.
Register at https://cdachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/24210
For information, contact the chamber at 208-664-3194.
Paid parking is available at McEuen Park nearby. Coffee and water are available from the no-host onboard service.
Cameras, sunscreen, binoculars, sunglasses and sun hats are recommended.