Elementary School Eagle Watch Field Trip
Expert Birder Ted Smith shares his knowledge with students as they view the Bald Eagles through scopes.
by Lisa Clark, Coeur d’Alene Audubon Chapter Member
On December 12, 2024, a spirited team of Coeur d’Alene Audubon volunteers welcomed four enthusiastic classes of 3rd graders from Hayden Canyon Elementary School to Higgens Point on Lake Coeur d’Alene. It was a calm December day, perfect for observing the seasonal gathering of Bald Eagles.
The students, led by their teachers Tammy Karoblis, Julie Cooper, Leora Sanford, and Molly Jacobs, rotated through engaging stations, each designed to teach them about Bald Eagles and their habitat. Smaller groups hiked along the lakeshore, where they observed the dying kokanee salmon—a primary food source for the eagles—while others took turns spotting Bald Eagles perched in trees across the lake through high-powered scopes provided by our volunteers. The young learners also journaled their discoveries, asked questions, and warmed up by a fire pit with hot chocolate in hand, which was provided by parent volunteers.
A student takes a second look through the binos after using the scope, gaining a second vantage point.
In addition to the Hayden Canyon students, our volunteers welcomed a surprise visit from a group of 50 students from West Valley Elementary. They eagerly joined in for a chance to observe the eagles. Over 25 visiting adults also stopped by, many of whom didn’t have spotting scopes, and were thrilled for the opportunity to see the eagles up close. The excitement was palpable as visitors young and old shared their observations, asked questions, and marveled at these majestic birds.
View of Bald Eagles on 12/12/24 by Ernie Ewing
A special highlight of the day came from our Education Coordinator, Pam Gomes, who led hands-on demonstrations to deepen the students’ understanding of Bald Eagles. Pam passed around water-filled bottles to help the children feel the difference in weight between a male and female eagle and impressed everyone with a fabric sample illustrating the full wingspan of an eagle.
Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers who made this experience possible, including Pam and Ron Gomes, Ted Smith, Vera and Ernie Ewing, Peggy Albertson, Rondi Bozwald, and Lisa Clark. Their time, knowledge, and spotting scopes created an unforgettable day of discovery and learning for all who attended.
It was truly heartwarming to see so many delighted faces, hear excited comments, and share our passion for nature with the next generation of bird enthusiasts.