7 Majestic Spots To Watch Bald Eagles This Winter In Idaho
Not many people are aware that the Gem State becomes a hotspot of bald eagle activity during the winter months. On their way south, the eagles make Idaho their temporary home from November through January. These awesome birds are one of the most beloved among Americans, for obvious reasons. Seeing them in person is an experience that you just can’t beat. If you’re looking for something unique and memorable to do this winter, check out one of these places where you can watch bald eagles.
The Kootenai Wildlife Refuge is located just 20 miles from the Canadian border. It's home to over 100 species of birds including bald eagles. You can actually view bald eagles at the refuge all year long. However, prime viewing time is during the winter when you can spot many mature and immature eagles in the area. You can most likely spot them along the Kootenai River where they hunt for food.
Coeur d'Alene is one of the most popular spots to view bald eagles since it is so easily accessible. Dozens of eagles gather around Lake Coeur d'Alene from November through January to feast on sockeye salmon. Wolf Lodge Bay is one of the best spots to view these majestic birds, since that is where the salmon spawn. The number of eagles that come to Lake Coeur d'Alene each year varies. However, a record breaking amount of 273 eagles was recorded back in 2011. Do not miss out on this incredible sight.
Eagles flock all over Idaho, not just the northern portion of the state. You can view them in south central Idaho at Box Canyon in Thousand Springs State Park. Box Canyon itself is a dramatic scene. There's nothing like looking down into the canyon from the overlook provided in the park. Waterfalls cascade down the sides of the canyons. In the winter, bald eagles flock around the canyon. It's an incredible sight that you'll never forget.
Like Lake Coeur d'Alene, bald eagles gather around Lake Pend Oreille to feed on salmon that produce in the lake. This area receives the highest amount of these beautiful birds. The lake is consistently home to over a million salmon that spawn in the lake, which naturally becomes a bald eagle's paradise. The number of bald eagles usually peaks in this area around Christmastime and then begins to dwindle after the new year. Hurry and see these gorgeous beauties for yourself!
Hells Canyon itself is an epic landscape. It becomes even more awe-inspiring during winter when the area is covered in soaring bald eagles. Much like other areas of Idaho, fish are what bring eagles here. During winter, the canyon is full of dead animal carcasses which are also a big invitation for these scavenging birds. Bald eagles can be spotted all over the canyon, but you have a really good chance of spotting them around Brownlee Reservoir.
Camas National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Idaho and is a refuge for many waterbirds and waterfowl. Located approximately 35 miles north of Idaho Falls, the refuge is an excellent place to see these incredible creatures as they temporarily make their homes in the refuge's huge cottonwood trees. In fact, the refuge eagerly anticipates them every year and they even host eagle watching events complete with spotting scopes and hot cocoa.
Bald eagles are drawn to Southern Idaho during winter by climate and availability of food. There are dozens of places to spot them that aren't on this list. However, seeing them among City of Rocks is definitely a sight you're going to want to see. City of Rocks in winter is simply breathtaking. The sight of this geologic wonder all covered in snow is simply outstanding. It becomes an even more unparalleled experience during the few months that bald eagles temporarily congregate here.
Doesn’t this look like such an awesome winter activity? What other bald eagle watching spots do you know of? There are so many memorable things to do in winter. Check out this Winter Walk In Idaho That Will Positively Enchant You.
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