The Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes below (west) of the state park at Cataldo Idaho to the hamlet of Harrison on Lake Coeur d' Alene, a 54 mile long section is the ideal place to combine birding and wildlife viewing with some bicycling. So on my way back from a week of coal protests in Helena Montana (see Big Photo (& video) Diary of last week's Coal Export Action in Helena Montana) I stopped off for some relaxing bike riding.
A Larch next to the Coeur d' Alene River.
The Coeur d' Alene River with Swan Lake in the backround
I didn't see any Swans but I saw Blue Herons, Loons, Osprey, Kingfishers, Canada Geese, lots of Ducks and this Coot
Often there were wetlands or a river on either side of the trail.
I didn't see any of the Muskrat, Beaver, or River Otters (ranging up to 60 pounds) that live in this nearly pristine environment.
But I did see something a little bigger. A mother Moose grazing with her calf by her side. Not an uncommon sight along this trail according to the locals.
Just lOOk
This would be a spectacular place to bicycle during the Fall migration. Maybe I'll come back then.