Yes, there are bald eagles in Idaho, particularly during the winter months when they migrate to the state. Idaho is a traditional winter nesting ground for eagles, with large concentrations found along Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and sections of the Snake, Salmon, and Boise rivers.
Where to Spot Bald Eagles in Idaho
Northern Idaho
Northern Idaho is a bald eagle spotting mecca, with favorite locations including:
- Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
- Perkins Lake
- McArthur Lake Wildlife Management Area
Wintering eagles are most abundant along Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and sections of the Priest River. Sightings at Wolf Lodge Bay and Beauty Bay on Lake Coeur d’Alene are particularly rich viewing areas.
Central Idaho
In central Idaho, the Wood River Valley south of Hailey is a good spot to see both bald and golden eagles during the winter at Silver Creek Preserve.
South Central Idaho
In South Central Idaho, good places to eagle watch include:
- Thousand Springs State Park’s Box Canyon in the Hagerman Valley
- Barber Dam in southeast Boise
Eastern Idaho
In eastern Idaho, the South Fork of the Snake River, stretching some 60 miles from Palisades Dam to its confluence with the Henrys Fork, hosts the largest breeding population of bald eagles in Idaho.
When to See Bald Eagles in Idaho
Image source: Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in Kachemak Bay, Alaska
Eagles generally stay in Idaho through mid-January to the end of January. In 2019, over 300 bald eagles were counted along Lake Coeur d’Alene during the annual bald eagle count.
Resources for Bald Eagle Watching in Idaho
The Idaho Birding Trail is an outstanding resource for locating the hundreds of bird species that inhabit Idaho, including bald eagles. The Idaho Department of Fish & Game has put together an exhaustive list of over 50 locations where bald eagles might be seen.
Conclusion
Idaho is a prime destination for bald eagle watching, particularly during the winter months. With large concentrations of wintering eagles found along lakes, rivers, and wildlife refuges throughout the state, there are ample opportunities to spot these majestic birds in their natural habitat.
