Eagle Presentation Attracts Large Crowd

Submitted by George Sayler, Coeur d’Alene Audubon Member

Over 100 people listened in rapt attention as Carrie Hugo, Wildlife Biologist with the Bureau of Land Management, and Ted Smith, President of Coeur d’Alene Audubon, presented a breadth of information about Bald Eagles, specifically those that come to the Coeur d’Alene Lake each winter. The program, sponsored by CDA Audubon, covered specific data ranging from the biology of Bald Eagles to the peak time of their migration in mid-December. It also featured a stuffed Golden Eagle dating from 1923!

Hugo presented data about Bald Eagle mortality showing that the number one cause was collision with cars, followed by electrocution by telephone lines. She also showed the yearly variation in the number of eagles that visit the lake. She described the process she uses to do the annual eagle count, and admitted that it is not an exact science but does give a viable indication of their population trend, which thankfully is up.

Smith talked more about the basics of eagle biology, pointing out that the females were larger than the males, and how dedicated they were to incubation of the eggs, keeping them warm even in snowstorms. Unfortunately only about 1 out of ten nestlings survives to full adulthood, which takes four years to achieve.

The program was sponsored by Coeur D’Alene Audubon as part of its effort to fulfill its mission to promote, perpetuate and protect Idaho’s wildlife, especially birds, and educate the public about conservation of their habitat. It was presented to educate the public prior to the Eagle Watch dates when club members will be present with spotting scopes for public viewing of the eagles. Eagle Watch dates are December 21st, 28th and January 4th; keep an eye on the Coeur d’Alene Audubon calendar for possible additional dates to be added subject to Eagle activity this year.

Visit Coeur d’Alene Press for a related article: https://cdapress.com/news/2024/nov/27/carrie-hugo-there-when-it-counts/