Bald Eagle - For Frank and the Gang

It's almost December and December marks the return of the Bald Eagle in large numbers to the shores of Coeur d'Alene and its tributaries. They are attracted by the large number of spawing Kokanee, locally known as "Blueback." As these small landlocked salmon spawn in the creeks, the eagles gather to reap the harvest of spawned out carcasses of blue back being flushed downstream into the lake. December and January are the best months to observe this gathering.

A favorite spot for birdwatchers and photo buffs is the Mineral Ridge boat launch, at the N'east end of the lake. This is where I often go to "shoot" the big birds.

The eagle in this picture, however, is half of a nesting pair that return each year in May to a nest in a tall cottonwood along the Coeur d'Alene River, near Anderson and Thompson lake. I go there each spring to catch a quick picture and it is often dramatic, like this one. It was screaming at me, protesting my closeness to its nesting partner.