The Eagles Have Landed

Each year at the end of November, Eagles come from Canada to winter in the Wolf Lodge area of Coeur D'Alene Lake.

The main draw for the eagles is the abundance of Kokanee Salmon. This salmon species is a lake locked relative of Sockeye Salmon. They are really small compared to sea going sockeye species, only about 9 inches long. But they do share the same fate, that is they died after spawning.

Since the spawning season is from the end of November through January, there is an abundant food supply for the eagles during winter, especially in Wolf Lodge Bay.

For the last couple of years, I've been taking pictures of the eagles. The access is easy since they are usually right next roads that run around the lake. People come from all over the country to see the eagles since they are so abundant.

What's fun for me is trying to catch them in action, especially fishing. While I have some really nice lenses and get some good pictures of them roosting, my equipment is marginal for good action shots. But I keep trying. Besides, it's just plain fun just being around these magnificent birds. Just another great pastime here in Northern Idaho.