Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News)—As bald eagles appear with increasing regularity, Onondaga County has considered building a trail along the southern edge of Onondaga Lake for better viewing, but some believe a trail would just scare the birds away.
Richelle Brown, a member of Friends of Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles, is one of those opposed opposed to the trail.
“Eagles have been sighted on that site [Murphy’s Island] year-round, and there’s a possibility that they may begin to nest there soon in which case there couldn’t be a trail at all,” Brown said.
Brown noted that Onondaga County has said it would close the trail during these winter months. She thinks, however, that people would still take advantage of the trail and get too close to the eagles.
“Eagles really need to conserve energy in the winter,” Brown said. “Every time they get flushed from the trees, they lose ground.”
The bald eagles lose too much energy needed to make it through the winter when they are forced to flee from the trees, Brown said.
Upwards of 60 bald eagles have been counted at Onondaga Lake. With the increased presence of the nation’s bird, positive economic impacts are felt, too, with travelers coming to Syracuse to see the bald eagles for themselves.
Friends of Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles formed only two months ago as an opposition group to the county’s proposed eagle trails, but the group is also working with the Onondaga Audubon Society to bring awareness to the safety of the eagles. Gerry Smith, of the Audubon Society, says people should remain at least a 100 yards away so as not to disturb the roosting process.
“[We see] the economic opportunity that’s already emerging from these eagles,” Brown noted. “I mean, on our social media we have people saying, ‘I’m driving in from southeastern Pennsylvania. Where should I stay? Where should I eat? All of that.’”
Brown noted how easy it is for some businesses to benefit from the eagles because one of the main viewing points is from the parking lot behind the Best Buy of Destiny USA.
Beyond opposition to the trail, Brown said the main purpose of the Friends of Onondaga Lake Bald Eagles is to educate the public to respectfully enjoy the birds.
