Coeur d'Alene, ID

Are you ever thankful that Benjamin Franklin’s choice of a Wild Turkey didn’t become our national bird? Today I can safely say, with tears and fervor that I am thankful that the Bald Eagle was chosen as the symbol of America. And Coeur d’Alene is one of the best places on earth to watch them. In winter (December) the eagles come to Lake Coeur d’Alene’s salmon runs; in the spring (April-August) they mate and nest. We have to be the luckiest people on earth, that we can see these magnificent creatures so close up.

Today Myron and I drove to Higgins Point off of Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive to see if we’d be able to catch one of the raptors on camera. This is the time of the salmon run, the time when fish come to spawn and die after giving birth to their eggs. Eagle’s favorite buffet!

Eagles can have wing spans from 5.5 feet to 8 feet in length. They can be around 30-36 inches in height, which makes them unmistakable in North Idaho, even if they are anywhere near one of those giant ravens we also have in this area. We walked along the bay, beside some road construction, and assumed that all the people and equipment would deter the birds from hanging out with us. Something to remember: eagles that are hungry and find free food don’t give a rip about people.

And another side note: eagles have the kind of vision we wish we had. They can see us coming a mile away- literally. Their eyesight is up to 8 times sharper than ours. Man, what would it be like to not need glasses? Sigh. I’m envious.

It was foggy and cold today, not optimal photography weather. Not optimal walking around weather either, if you’re not wearing gloves. My fingers nearly froze in the first 5 minutes. But that was because we were enthralled by the sight. Eagles flew around us two or three at a time, dipping down to the water, grabbing the fish that were belly up at the surface. Seagulls followed suit, and every now and then would end up in a diving match with an eagle to see who would catch the dead fish first. Even the ducks got in on the act, scouting along the surface of the water like a vacuum cleaner, scarfing the fish up in their bills.

But the most unimaginable blessing was yet to come. We hiked up the trail to two trees that were decorated, not with Christmas bulbs or tinsel, but magnificent living creatures. In one place, 7 of them trimmed the trees, and caused me to dribble tears as I tried to snap the photo. Fog and all, there they were, a wild animal actually sitting still in one place so I could get a photo. Wow. I felt honored and blessed, excited and overjoyed at the same time. In spite of the fact that my fingers almost weren’t working anymore from the cold.

I had to try to get closer, but of course that moment my camera batteries chose to go dead, so I had to take a moment to reload fresh ones. It was a miracle I had any in the first place. The eagles STAYED in the tree! Just for me! (Well, ok there were other people there too, but they looked like professionals and me, I’m definitely not.)

For you who love to look at wildlife, take the 23rd street exit from I90. Go straight through the traffic light (do not turn); follow the roadway until it ends at a turn- around and parking lot. Get out, walk the trail up the side of the hill and keep your eyes peeled. You are in for a treat. I know for myself it was one of the best years I’ve ever seen for eagles here, and I’m a native North Idahoan. If it snows this weekend, no matter, get out and go anyway. The beauty is worth it all!

Figbee