1. Locations for viewing Bald Eagles on Onondaga Lake are circled on the map below. Optics are optimal for viewing from the red and purple circle and may be less necessary from the green and blue circle. You can view eagles from your car in the Destiny USA back parking lot (head to west side of parking lot and view eagles in the tall trees behind the train tracks).

2. This is a major wintering eagle roost. Eagles come to the lake during the coldest times of winter when most waterways around CNY are frozen over. These birds primarily hunt fish, and require open water for this and the wastewater treatment plant next to the mall releases warm water which keeps ice off the southern end of the lake. This is one of the largest urban roosts for Bald Eagles in the Country so we are lucky to have it. We tend to have the most eagles in January-mid-March when CNY has its coldest temps. As many as 100 eagles have been observed at one time here.

3. Bald Eagle began returning to the lake more readily since the lake cleanup began wrapping up in 2012. Eagles are now found year round on the lake, but active nesting has not been observed. If you suspect an eagle nest, please report this to the administrator ASAP so that we can help protect it.

4. Please remember that Bald Eagles and other wildlife can be easily disturbed by human presence. Please do all you can to keep from disturbing these birds by staying at least 300 ft away from them at all times and keeping your voices low when eagles are present. This is not only the right thing to do, but required by state and federal law.