Eagles are already flying high
A bald eagle screeches from a tree near Lake Coeur d'Alene over the weekend.
Kevin Dockter photo
A bald eagle in flight over Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Kevin Dockter photo
A bald eagle surveys its surroundings near Higgens Point.
Kevin Dockter photo
A bald eagle feasts on a fish snagged from Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Kevin Dockter photo
A kokanee jumps from Lake Coeur d'Alene last weekend.
Kevin Dockter photo
The 2025 "Season of Eagles" is underway and people are flocking to Higgens Point.
Photographer Kevin Dockter said they are back earlier than normal. Over the weekend, he saw at least 25 eagles and had reports from one photographer that he had counted over 100 eagles. They are spread out in the usual areas around Lake Coeur d'Alene, including Higgens Point, Blue Creek Bay, Mineral Ridge and Beauty Bay.
As for the kokanee salmon, Dockter said they are very abundant this year, with reports from several divers in the Higgens Bay area of "walls of salmon everywhere" and from fishermen who are catching and releasing up to 30 fish per evening.
"I'm watching the salmon jumping along the shoreline in many locations," Dockter said. "The kokanee that I've witnessed being caught by eagles appear to be quite large this year."
Each winter, from November through February, a migrating population of bald eagles visits the Lake Coeur d'Alene area. Their main food source is spawning kokanee salmon, the Bureau of Land Management said.
The BLM began counting bald eagles around Wolf Lodge Bay in 1974. The number of eagles returning to this area varies from year to year.
Last year's high was 284 eagles Dec.12. The previous year set a record of 409 on Dec. 20.
Suggested viewing areas: Higgens Point, Mineral Ridge Boat Ramp, Mineral Ridge Trailhead
Safety/viewing tips
Avoid disturbing the birds. Do not approach them on foot.
Stay as far away from the birds as possible. Binoculars are essential.
Stay in your vehicle if viewing nearby birds.
Park off the main road.
Do not stop on the road or look for eagles while driving. Interstate 90 and Highway 97 are heavily traveled. Remember, it is illegal to stop in any traffic lane.
A bald eagle in flight over Lake Coeur d'Alene.
A bald eagle surveys its surroundings near Higgens Point.
A bald eagle feasts on a fish snagged from Lake Coeur d'Alene.
A kokanee jumps from Lake Coeur d'Alene last weekend.