Winter Eagle Walks Return to Onondaga Lake, Here’s How to Join One

If you’re looking for something different (and surprisingly peaceful) to do this winter, this one’s worth putting on your calendar.

The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps is leading two guided winter wildlife walks on Saturday, January 31, offering a front-row seat to one of Central New York’s coolest cold-weather sights: bald eagles and winter waterfowl gathering along the southern shore of Onondaga Lake.

What to Know Before You Go

• Walk times: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Length: About 1.5 hours

• Distance: A leisurely half-mile

• Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for children

• Terrain: Flat, paved Onondaga Creekwalk trail (may be snow-covered)

• Starting point: Near Destiny USA

Binoculars, spotting scopes, and field guides are provided, so even first-time birdwatchers can jump right in without needing special gear.

Read More: Flu Is Hitting New York Hard This Winter, How to Stay Protected 

Why Onondaga Lake Is an Eagle Hotspot

Onondaga Lake is officially recognized as an Audubon Important Bird Area, meaning it provides critical habitat, food, and shelter for birds during the harsh winter months. Thanks to years of restoration, the shoreline and wetlands now attract dozens of bald eagles and thousands of ducks and other waterfowl each winter.

Birds You Might See

Wildlife sightings vary, but participants often spot:

• Bald Eagles

• Common and Hooded Mergansers

• American Black Duck

• Greater and Lesser Scaup

• Common Goldeneye

• Bufflehead

• Mallard

• Redhead

• Ring-necked Duck

If you’ve ever wanted to see a bald eagle without hiking miles into the woods, this is about as accessible as it gets.

How to Register

Space is limited and online registration is required.
For questions, call 315-365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org.

Read More: Mom Speaks Out After School Incident Photo Surfaces

Fresh air, bald eagles, and a winter walk that doesn’t feel like a workout? That’s a solid January plan.