For the love of eagles

North Idaho is no stranger to the majesty of bald eagles, as a migrating population of the birds famously make a yearly visit to Lake Coeur d’Alene during the winter months to feed on kokanee salmon.

Several could be seen Thursday afternoon diving for salmon off Higgens Point, providing a spectacle for those who chose to venture out in the rainy conditions.

“We come out here every year when we visit for the holiday,” said Susane Knowles, who was visiting from out of the area. “Seeing them never gets old.”

The rest of the country is equally enthralled.

The bald eagle was officially named the United States’ national bird earlier this week, an honor long overdue for the bird that has for centuries been considered a symbol of the nation’s power and strength.

The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the U.S. since it was declared as such by Congress in 1782, according to usa.gov.

The bird’s image appears on the Great Seal of the United States as well as on U.S. currency, the presidential flag and military insignia.

President Joe Biden signed the bill Tuesday, which was passed by Congress with unanimous support.

“The bald eagle is a symbol of our country’s freedom and strength and with our legislation now signed into law, the bald eagle is officially our national bird," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who was part of the bipartisan group which brought the bill before the Senate in July.

Though data from the Bureau of Land Management suggests that their numbers have already peaked, locals and tourists alike are still enjoying bald eagle sightings in several areas along Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The eagles typically stick around until about the middle of January.

    A mature bald eagle and an adolescent on Lake Coeur d'Alene.