Onondaga Lake is one of the best lakes around where you can view wildlife. It has many ducks and ones that you do not often or ever get to see such as Mergansers. You will see swans and Mallard families snuggling together around the shoreline and pairs of ducks finding their own little spots to hang and allow you to photograph them. All kinds of wildlife are drawn to this lake including groups of up to nearly 100 bald eagles on any given day spread about the trees, water,shoreline and lake. My husband are novice wildlife, and birding photographers of about 10 years. Onondaga is a "jackpot"of eagles and other rare sightings of wild life , even in the winter time! Trips to Onondaga Lake in the winter can keep you exercising and staying healthy throughout the winter even if you are not a sports enthusiast. The Onondaga Lake facilities are phenomenal at snow removal for all walking paths, and other areas for observing wildlife. So no matter what time of year you visit, you can access areas that you typically can in the summer. It is a beautiful lake with beautiful facilities, and safety features such as expensive, wrought iron high quality lantern style lighting all along each walking path so you can stay out and enjoy your adventure at any time of day safely. If there is a lake in western NY that you should visit to experience exciting adventures with nature...this IS THE ONE! Go to Onondaga Lake as soon as you can! You will not be disappointed;