SYRACUSE — The Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps will host its annual Bald Eagle Adventures on Saturday, March 7, inviting the public to explore restored shoreline habitats that attract dozens of bald eagles and thousands of waterfowl each winter.
Two guided sessions will be offered, from 10 to 11 a.m. and from noon to 1 p.m., featuring a half-mile walk along the Onondaga Creekwalk and the lake shoreline. Participants will learn from National Audubon Society staff and volunteers about why bald eagles gather at Onondaga Lake during the winter months and how the species rebounded from near extinction.
Onondaga Lake is designated as an Audubon Important Bird Area, providing critical habitat, food and water for numerous bird species during colder months. In addition to bald eagles, visitors may see common mergansers, American black ducks, greater and lesser scaup, common goldeneye, bufflehead, hooded merganser, mallards, redheads and ring-necked ducks.
Chris Lajewski, director of Audubon’s Onondaga Lake Conservation Corps and Montezuma Audubon Center, said the restored shoreline and wetlands offer prime roosting and feeding areas for bald eagles, which rely on the lake’s fish supply in winter.
The walk will follow a flat, paved trail that may be snow-covered. Binoculars, spotting scopes and field guides will be provided. The event begins near the Onondaga Creekwalk trail by Destiny USA. Space is limited and registration is required.
The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children. For more information or to register, visit Audubon’s website or call 315-365-3588.
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