Bald eagles remain a North Idaho treasure

The 2026 "Season of Eagles" is underway and it's promising to be a great one.

Bald eagles have already been spotted soaring over Lake Coeur d'Alene, easily visible from Higgens Point, Mineral Ridge or with Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises. More eagles will continue to arrive as the kokanee spawning season continues. This year's kokanee are reported to be huge.

People come from near and far to watch these majestic creatures in action, and if you are patient, they will likely put on a good show. Watching an eagle dive toward the lake's surface, extend its talons, make a splash, and come away with a fish is a breathtaking sight.

Even seeing them perched on a tree branch, or flying high overhead with their wings spread as they glide on the wind, is special.

Late November through December is generally the best viewing time, when their numbers tend to reach their peak, per the Bureau of Land Management, though that changes from year to year.

Once the new year arrives and the kokanee are done spawning, the eagles begin to move on and head south to the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the Klamath Basin in California, and even to Utah to find open waters.

These fierce flyers have proven to be smart, strong, and resourceful. Per Idaho Fish and Game, here's a brief history of milestones.

1918: First protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

1940: Additional protection was given by the later-named Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. 

1940-1970: Populations declined mainly because of the pesticide DDT. 

1967: Listed as an Endangered Species in all but five of the lower 48 states. 

1979: 11 known nesting territories in Idaho. 

1995: Status reduced from Endangered to Threatened (same protection remained, but the bald eagle was no longer considered on the brink of extinction).

1996: 90 known bald eagle nesting territories in Idaho 

2007: Aug. 8, bald eagle delisted 

2007: 234 known bald eagle nesting territories in Idaho.

We would be remiss not to credit our friends Don and Jane Veltkamp of Birds of Prey Northwest, based in St. Maries, for their fine work. The nonprofit, volunteer network, more than three decades old, has rescued, rehabbed and released countless injured birds, including bald eagles. 

As advocates for birds of prey, the Veltkamps set the pace. They respond to calls morning and night, offer educational talks and lead tours of their facility. Jane and co-author Deborah Lee Rose wrote the heartbreaking but inspiring true story, "Beauty and the Beak: How Science Technology, and a 3D-Printed Beak Rescued a Bald Eagle.” 

So, as you marvel at bald eagles in their grace and glory this season right here in our backyard, remember that their presence is more than a spectacular wildlife show. It is one of America's greatest conservation success stories, a testament to what can happen when people value and protect the natural world.

Thanks to advocates, rehabilitators and conservationists like Don and Jane Veltkamp, future generations will have the same opportunity to celebrate a symbol of freedom that once stood on the brink of disappearing forever.