If you’re looking for the best place to view the spring migration of many local and regional waterfowl, you’re in luck! The Coeur d’Alene Cruises offer one of the best views on the whole lake with our daily scenic cruises. The cruise ships are able to get a great view of all of the local wildlife in their natural habitat, perfect for photos or bird-enthusiasts.
The best place to see the regional osprey is with Coeur d’Alene Cruises. We are able to pass close to their nesting place of choice- the tops of pillions at the mouth of the Coeur d’Alene River. Osprey feed almost exclusively on fish and are often seen soaring or hovering over water while searching for prey. When prey is spotted the osprey plunges feet first into the water to capture its food, which is always a treat to see!
Also during spring migrations, the bays that line the lake are filled with waterfowl, including tundra swans, Canada geese, wood ducks, blue-winged and cinnamon teal, ruddy ducks, and mallards. Birds migrating to the lake for the summer include the great blue heron, spotted sandpiper, common snipe, mountain bluebird, violet-green swallow, cinnamon teal, pied-billed and western grebes.
In addition, because of the natural forests and farmland that surround the lake, cruisers can often see songbirds, including warblers, chickadees, flycatchers, and woodpeckers and raptors year-round, and sometimes larger wildlife such as elk, deer, coyote, and even black bear!
If you’re looking for the perfect Idaho experience, and the easiest way to view wildlife, join one of our spring cruises, or contact us to learn about all of our great cruise options!