What is one of the first prominent features visible when approaching Oswego Harbor on Lake Ontario?

The prominent feature visible when approaching Oswego Harbor on Lake Ontario, particularly distinguishing the area, is the strobe light stacks at a power plant. This feature serves as a recognizable landmark for vessels navigating the harbor, as the power plant is a significant infrastructure in the region. The strobe lights on the stacks are crucial for ensuring the safety of incoming and outgoing vessels, helping them identify the harbor entrance, especially during low visibility conditions.

While lighthouses are commonly associated with coastal navigation, in this specific case of approaching Oswego Harbor, the power plant's stacks serve as a more relevant and prominent feature. Unlike oil rigs, which are typically found in offshore waters, strobe lights at the power plant provide critical visual cues for navigation. Waterfalls, although a natural feature, do not play a significant role in the maritime landscape of the harbor area, making them a less likely identification point for approach. The distinctive strobe lights at the power plant stand out due to their visibility and the operational role they play in the harbor's navigation safety.