BLM to host free veterans cruise

COEUR d’ALENE — Registration is open for the Bureau of Land Management Coeur d’Alene District’s annual Veterans Eagle Watch Cruise. 

The cruise is scheduled noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and is free or military veterans, active-duty personnel and their families. 

"The eagle spotting cruise provides an opportunity for those who have provided military service for our country to view our national symbol, the American bald eagle, in flight above Lake Coeur d’Alene and public lands in Wolf Lodge Bay," a press release said.

BLM's most recent count turned up 110 eagles, with 91 of those adults and 19 juveniles. More continue to arrive to claim spawning kokanee. 

Photographers have been gathering at Higgens Point to capture images of the eagles, which will generally stick around through year's end, depending on how long their food supply of kokanee holds out.

The Veterans Eagle Watch Cruise is popular and limited to those who have not participated in the past, to provide an opportunity for others to attend.       

To reserve spots, send the number in your party and a contact phone number to BLM_ID_Veterans_Eagle_Watch@blm.gov.

The BLM’s Coeur d’Alene office will also host free eagle watch events from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16 at the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Spotting scopes and interpretive information will be available. Eagle “ambassadors” will also be on hand to answer questions and share information about the majestic birds.  

The annual migration of the American bald eagle to Lake Coeur d’Alene can also be followed online by visiting bit.ly/3X95z0f. The site is updated weekly, depending upon weather conditions, during the migration season from early November through mid-January.