Programs: Fish and Wildlife: Wildlife: Lake Coeur d' Alene Eagle Watch
Lake Coeur d' Alene Eagle Watch
Each winter from November through February a migrating population of bald eagles visits the Lake Coeur d' Alene area to feed on spawning kokanee salmon. 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.
Suggested viewing areas: Higgins Point, Mineral Ridge Boat Ramp, Mineral Ridge Trailhead
Directions: About 11 miles east of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Take US-90 east from Coeur d'Alene for eight miles to Wolf Lodge Bay (exit 22), then south on Highway 97 for three miles.
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.
Learn more
- More photos on our Flickr album.
- More about Bald Eagles and Fun Facts
- Kokanee Salmon Fun Facts
Weekly Counts
2016/2017
January 13: 4 adults, 1 juvenile = 5 total
December 22: 222 adults, 39 juveniles = 261 total
December 12: 196 adults, 61 juveniles = 257 total
December 8: 166 adults,47 juveniles = 213 total
November 28: 57 adults,12 juveniles = 69 total
November 20: 26 total
2015/2016
January 23: 27 adults, 1 juvenile=28 total
January 9: 87 adults, 5 juveniles, 1 unknown=93 total
December 31: 105 adults, 15 juveniles=120 total
December 23: 114 adults, 26 juveniles=140 total
December 17: 58 adults, 8 juveniles = 66 total
December 10: 30 adults, 4 juveniles = 34 total
December 3: 13 adults, 5 juveniles = 18 total
November 25: 4 eagles spotted = 4 total
November 19: No eagles have been spotted yet = 0 total
2014/2015
January 9: 51 adults, 2 juveniles = 53 total
December 30: 196 adults, 21 juveniles = 217 total
December 18: 110 adults, 19 juveniles = 129 total
December 10: 73 adults, 12 juveniles, 1 unknown=86 total
December 3: 46 adults, 10 juveniles, 1 unknown= 57 total
November 27: 11 total
November 20: 2 adults, 0 juveniles = 2 total
November 12: 3 adults, 0 juveniles = 3 total
2013/2014
January 10: 44 adults, 12 juveniles = 56 total
January 4: 126 adults, 31 juveniles = 157 total
December 28: 140 adults, 43 juveniles = 183 total
December 19: 208 adults, 49 juveniles = 260 total
December 13: 157 adults, 47 juveniles = 204 total
December 5: 84 adults, 37 juveniles = 121 total
November 27: 88 adults, 12 junveniles = 100 total
November 20: 58 adults, 6 juveniles = 64 total