Bald Eagles at Lake Coeur d’Alene

There is something that is really cool that happens every year here.  The locals have been telling us about it since we arrived & so we decided we better go check it out before spring arrives & we have to wait until this time next year to see it.  It’s the annual Bald Eagles at Lake Coeur d’Alene.  I guess every year they come down here from Alaska to spend the winter feeding off all the fish in the lakes.  I do know that come spring they migrate down further to Northern Nevada to feed off other things that are happening there during that time.  We were able to witness a couple back when we lived there- but those were the days when all I had was a 2.0mp point & shoot.  (which by the way finally died- I had passed it down to my daughter, she is bummed)  So anyhow- I never really captured them back then.  So we took the short drive to the area of the lake where they say the largest population of the eagles are.  I guess they have counted the population up to about 220 of them right now.  I also know that each of the other 19 area lakes has their own population of them & I do plan on getting to at least a couple to check them out there.

It was truly amazing to stop on the side of the road & be able to just click away.  They sat there so poised.  They must like all the attention because there were so many people there taking pictures.  There was some serious lens envy going on as the people with their HUGE L class lenses were there capturing what I can only assume were National Geographic type images.  Me- with my 75-300mm, well I did my best.  It’s not the fastest lens when it comes to focusing & with such a long focal range- it’s not too sharp either.  This is what happens when I get used to primes- the zooms seem to disappoint a bit.  But I was happy to be able to capture what I did.  It was an awe inspiring experience & the kids, what a treat for them.  I really can’t believe that we had the opportunity to get so close & see these magnificent creatures for all that they are.   I do want to go back on a day when we have a bit of blue sky.  I think these would have been great with a bit of sunshine.  Hopefully we get a day like that before they make their migration out of here.

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