COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Bald eagles are returning to Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Spokane photographer Zach Nichols sent in these stunning pictures of eagles among the trees in Coeur d'Alene.
It's prime bald eagle viewing season, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Eagles start returning in November to feed on kokanee salmon and stay through February.
According to weekly counts by the BLM, the best time to see eagles is during late November and early December. Last year, there were 111 eagles counted on Nov. 20, 259 eagles counted on Dec. 2, and 223 eagles counted on Dec. 10. The BLM hasn't posted eagle counts yet this season.
Some of the best places to view the eagles include Higgins Point, Mineral Boat Ramp and Mineral Ridge Trailhead.
The BLM recommends you follow these tips to keep the birds and your family members safe:
- 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.
