Birding
Hotspots
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Ontario Birding Hotspots |
Exit from the 401 at the Brighton Exit (509) and take Hwy. #30 south into the Town of Brighton. At the first stop light, they can turn right (westbound) onto Hwy. #2 and travel 1 km. west to Ontario Street. Head south (left turn) on Ontario Street and cross the Causeway to reach the park entrance. Alternatively, one could go through both street lights, continue southward across the railway tracks to Butler Street, head west to the end of Butler Street at Ontario Street, then head south to the Causeway and the park entrance. The way is marked from the Town by provincial park signs.
This birding hotspot is second to Point Pelee ... some believe that it can be better at times.
Presqu'ile is noted for its biodiversity. It is a proposed Ramsar site, proposed Regional Site for the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network and proposed Important Bird Area.. Back from the beaches are dunes, scrub, and scattered bush. It gradually thickens and turns into deciduous and coniferous woodlands. There are also large stretches of marshland as you go north and west. Open pastures between woodlots offer ideal habitat for many landbirds. There is a 1-km long marsh boardwalk and a number of hiking trails such as the Jobes Woods Trail. The peninsula is strategically situated and juts 10 km out into Lake Ontario. In the fall, it tends to funnel the bird and insect migration.
To date, 319 species have been seen in the park and 130 of these confirmed as breeders. Presqu'ile Park and vicinity has the third highest total of nesting species in the province. Gull and High Bluff Island represent on of the largest colonial waterbird nesting sites on the Great Lakes. Themes are very seasonal. Tens of thousands of ducks, geese, and swans stop to feed from February to April. May is a favorite time to watch migrants spot rareties. It is not uncommon during this time to identify over 100 species in a day! The fall migration begins in August. Purple sandpipers and snowy owls are a fall/winter favorites. Shorebirds congregate on the vast stretches of beach in the spring and fall. Prior to inclement weather, as many as 10,000 shorebirds have been grounded on the western beaches. This also attracts falcons - especially Merlins and the occasional Peregrine Falcon. The diversity of habitat attracts a wide variety of migrating birds _ especially warblers in spring and waterfowl in spring, fall and winter.On a good day in spring, one can find as many species as one would find in Point Pelee - and not the crowds! According to Dr. Murray Speirs, Presqu'ile is renowned for the rareties that can be found there. For example, the first sulphur-bellied flycatcher in Canada and 2nd North American mongolian plover were discovered at Presqu'ile.
Long Point Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Lake Erie. From highway #401 west of Woodstock and east of London - take #19 south to #3 east and south on #59 to the park at Lake Erie. Port Rowan is the closest community to the park.
Contact for Long Point Bird Observatory is as follows:LPBO, P.O. Box 160
Port Rowan, Ontario Canada
N0E 1M0
Phone Number : 519-586-3531
There is a bird banding station located there and you can get a close look at common and not-so-common species as they are caught in the mist nets and subsiquently banded. Because of its natural geography and location, it is a prime spot for migrating species of waterfowl and warblers Most warblers can be found here in spring. There is an anual birdathon each spring which features a celebrity counter - used to help fund the reseach being done by the Long Point Bird Observatory.
Long Point is a sandspit that extends out from the north shore of Lake Erie. There are extensive marshes, wooded dunes, and beaches that extend into Lake Erie. This land formation tends to funnel the birds and offers prime sheltered areas a concentrated birding habitat - ideal for both birds and birders.
This hotspot is famous for its diversity of waterfowl and its warblers in spring. The LPBO has banded about 240 species to date within the three field stations in the area. The area is famous for Tundra Swans, Sandhill Crane, and a great diversity of Waterfowl, Warblers, and other migrating passerines. Rarities are often sighted here because of its location and the presence of experienced birders that often come here.
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Point Pelee is the farthest south that you can go in Canada. It is a National Park that is located south of Leamington - the closest community to the park. This is possibly the most well know birding hotspot in North America. The park is approximately 40km south east of Windsor. From Windsor - take #3 east to Leamington and then follow the signs. From Toronto, drive on the 401 west to #77 (just west of Tilbury) and head south towards and through Leamington and follow the signs to the park. The people in Leamington are very hospitable and cater to birders, especially in the spring. At the park you can get information and directions on all of the other birding hotspots in the Pelee area.
Spring migration is the main focus of the popular hotspot. Point Pelee is famous for its numbers of species and quantity and quality of migrating birds. They are attracted to the first body of land as they cross Lake Erie on their trek north in the spring. The best time to go is during the first three weeks in May. May 10th is considered to be Warbler Day - you can get good numbers of species up to a week before and after.
Point Pelee isn't that wide or large, but it has just about every type of habitat necessary for birds. The very tip, which is quite famous for its geographic location is a large sand spit which is in constant shift and generally off limits - especially in spring migration. Point Pelee is noted for its diversity of habitat. Back from the beaches are dunes, scrub, and scattered bush. It gradually thickens and turns into deciduous and coniferous woodlands. There are also large stretches of marshland as you go north and east. The many transitional areas offer ideal habitat for many landbirds.
Too many to mention - but Warblers tend to be the highlight in spring migration. An average birder can see up to 100 species a day if they cover some of the other local hotspots. Well seasoned birders can expect to see or hear in excess of 120 species a day. Most of the North American Warbler species can be found here - I have had as many as 30 species of Warblers in the course of a few days. As well, most other passerines, waterfowl, shorebirds, and a variety of other species, totalling 350 in all, have passed through Point Pelee and surrounding area. Rarities often show up at Point Pelee and surrounding area, and are reported in the Visitor Centre birding registry - sometimes called the quot;book of lies" - but most of the time the so-called lies turn out to be true. A detailed checklist can be obtained at the Visitor Centre or sometimes at the entrance gate.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Please Note: all numbers are area code 519, unless otherwise statedMOTELS
Comfort Inn (Leamington) 326 9071 1-800-4-CHOICE
Comfort Inn (Chatham) 352 5500 fax 353 2520 1 800 228 5150
Comfort Inn - Simcoe (near Long Point) Phone 426-2611 Fax 426-0053
Manery's Motel (Leamington) 326 4436
Rymal's Motel 322 2833
Pelee Day's Inn 326 8646 1-800-329-7466
Sun Parlour Motel (Leamington) 326 6131
Town'N Country Motor Inn (Leamington) 326 4425
Wigle's Colonial Motel (Leamington) 326 3265
Adam's Golden Acres Motel (Kingsville) 733 6531 1-888-234-6018 Fax:733 6944
Seacliffe Inn (Leamington) (519) 324-9266 fax (519) 324-9028BED AND BREAKFASTS
Point Pelee B&B Reservation Service (coordinator for 30 B&Bs) 326 7169
1-888-339-0418 hsuiteh@on.aibn.com
Other B&Bs: . BS = Birding Season only
Griffin House 825-3434
Farm House 326-8384
Home Suite Home 326-7169
Leamington B&B 326-4378
Pigeon Bay 326-9886 BS
Do Drop In 326-5558
Mrs. Roy Brown 326-2264
Pamela Evans 326-9228 BS
Irma Mathies 326-6879 BS
Miller 326-3533 BS
Jo Evans 326-4042
South Pointe 326-7156 BS
Finest Hospitality 326-2430
Marlborough 322-1395
Bessie's 322-1559
Valley View 326-2725
Marsh View 326-9749
Sun Ridge 326-2478
Wiens 326-4812 BS
Flamming 326-7596
Martens 326-5824 BS
Collyer 326-5037
The Pantry 326-8870
Park Gate 326-3732
Lounging on the Lane 326-4030
Shonfield Farms 326-9495 BS
Kingswood Inn 733-3248 fax: 733-8734 kingswd@MNSi.net
B&B's Bed and Breakfast - Wheatley 1-800-851-3406 brucep@mnsi.net
Wild Rose Guest House (519) 825-9070 Fax: (519) 825-9169 peleetom@netcore.ca
By the Bay B&B - Wheatley 519-825-7729 ddent@wincom.net
Guan Home Bed & Breakfast 326-1839 smackin@wincom.net
Cottages
Pigeon Bay Cottages - Kingsville-on-the-Lake 733-9886 www.pigeonbaycottages.com
CAMPING
Campers Cove (Wheatley) 1 800 265 5833 825 4732
Leisure Lake Campground (Leamington) 326 1255
Sturgeon Woods (Leamington) 326 1156
Pleasant Valley Campground (Kingsville) 733 5961
Wheatley Provincial Park (Wheatley) 825 4659
Rondeau Provincial Park (Blenheim) 674 1770 (reservations)POINT PELEE INFO
Point Pelee National Park
1118 Point Pelee Drive
R.R.#1 Leamington, ON N8H 3V4
park: (519)322-2365
events/bird tape: (519)322-2371
Friends of Pt. Pelee: (519)326-6173
Recent Birding Reports for the Pelee areaPELEE ISLAND: Accommodations and info:
Pelee Island Vacation Info: Public Relations, Pelee Island, Ontario, N0R 1M0
Tin Goose Inn 724-2223
Westview Motel & Tavern 724-2072
Anchor & Wheel Inn 724-2195
Pelee Island Hotel 724-2912Dockside Cottages 724-2445
Tiessen's Cottage Rental 724-2068
Cottage for Rent 724-2193
Planinc's Pelee Place (cottage) 216-285-9137 (Ohio)
By the Bay (cottage) 948-4242
Sunset Beach Family Cottages 894-6217(winter) 724-2394 (summer)
Brown's Sandy Beach Cottages 724-2094
Southern Comfort Cottage Rentals 724-2225
Pheasant's Nest Cottage Rentals 733-3959
Dave Vatcher (cottage) 472-7812
Stonehill B&B 724-2193
Twin Oaks Retreat Bed and Breakfast
Gardners B&B 724-2693
The Gathering Place B&B 724-2656
Island Memories B&B 724-2667 734-8223
Wooden Train B&B and cottages 724-2012 905/679-6769 (winter)
OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU of WINDSOR, ESSEX COUNTY & PELEE ISLAND 519/255 6530
ONTARIO TRAVEL 1 800 668 2746
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO TRAVEL 1 800 661 6804
PELEE ISLAND FERRY 1 800 661 2220
Ferry ScheduleInformation provided by various people and methods. If you notice that a number is incorrect or that a service no longer exists, please e-mail me with the corrections, and I will update the list as quickly as possible.
Gord Gallant gord@web-nat.com
Rondeau Provincial Park is a penninsula of land located on the north shore of Lake Erie east of Point Pelee and approximately 20km southeast of Blenheim. If you are travelling on the 401, get off at exit #90 and take Highway 40 south to Blenheim. Highway 40 north would take you Chatham. From Blenheim take Highway 3 east and then Highway 51 south, which ends at the park gates.
Great birding hotspot in the spring! Much less crowded than Point Pelee - but nearly the same amount of species during migration. Because Rondeau Provincial Park is a good sized peninsula and has a large variety of habitats, it is an ideal stop-off point for migrants - especially in spring, and home to many breeding birds after the spring migration. At this location there is a good interpretive centre, camping, lots of hiking (birding) trails.
Obviously because Rondeau is a peninsula, there is plenty of shoreline - although much of it is marshland. Carolinian hardwoods occupy the main area of the park. Wet wooded sloughs occupy the area at the south point - excellent for Prothonotary Warblers and Acadian Flycatchers.
Most of the Eastern North American songbirds, waterfowl in the bay (Woodduck in the wet wooded sloughs, shorebirds along beach areas and mudflats. Rondeau is noted for being the place to find Prothonotary Warbler in Southern Ontario, but it is also known for Grey-cheeked thrush, Red-headed Woodpecker, and many of the warblers that come through in the spring. Because much of the area wet or near water, insects are abundant, thus providing many of the migrant and resident birds with a steady supply of food.
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Durham Region covers a large area east of Toronto, north to Lake Simcoe, covering the southern portion of Lake Scugog, and south to Lake Ontario just past Newtonville. Although the region contains heavily developed areas consisting of Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Bomanville along Lake Ontario, there are still some excellent birding areas.
Dispite being more and more developed each year, Durham Region still has many natural areas left in which to enjoy some serious birding and nature viewing. The Rouge Watershed is a prime example of a natural area that has be saved from over development. To really get to know the area and take advantage of the various habitats, I suggest getting "A Bird-Finding Guide to Ontario" by Clive Goodwin (second edition).
The habitat of the southern limit of Durham Region, along the north shore of Lake Ontario, still has some significant transitional areas along the shoreline. Wooded areas, meadows and parks provide suitable nesting areas where food sources still exist. There are several marshes and conservation areas along Lake Ontario. Several rivers and streams empty into Lake Ontario, providing a rich food source for a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds. Cranberry Marsh and Second Marsh are both good examples of birding locations, at almost any time of year. As you go north, the human population starts to thin out, and habitat suitable for songbirds, raptors, grouse, and other woodland birds is still around. It almost doesn't matter where in Durham Region you are - you are not too far from good birding hotspots ... too many to mention here.
Everything from songbirds to waterfowl can be found in Durham Region. An understanding of habitat and its relationship to a particular species is a must to be able to find what you may be looking for. Many of the hotspots offer such a diversity of habitat, that you can pretty much expect to see any of the North American Eastern species in the appropriate habitat. Some interesting rarities have been spotted in the area - such as Ross's Goose, Cinamon Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Worm-eating Warbler, various other hard to find warblers, Summer Tanager, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, and many other less common species have been sighted at one time or another.
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Close to the northern limit of the carolinian region, Toronto offers shelter and suitable habitat for a wide variety of species. Toronto is located on the north west shore of Lake Ontario, with Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and Hamilton completing the western stretch. Durham borders Toronto on the east side - starting with Pickering. The 401 (Trans Canada Highway) runs through Toronto, with the 407 acting as a bipass over the top of Toronto. To the North of Toronto is Markham and Richmond Hill. The Don Valley Parkway/404 combo splits the city in half - but Yonge Street is considers the center of the city. Yonge Street is the longest street in North America - running from the lakeshore ... all the way north through Northern Ontario.
Because of the diversity of habitat, and the sheltered harbors, bays, parklands, and valleys, Toronto has its own ecosystem. Being the fifth largest city in North America, it has a large number of birders, which helps in discovering species, rare or otherwise.
Toronto has a very wide range of habitat - from a very busy urban environment, complete with Peregrine Falcons ... to lush parks, ravines, and river systems. The beauty about Toronto - is that you can find almost any type of habitat suitable for birds, within Toronto's borders.
Along the aproximately 40km of shoreline, one can find almost all of the waterfowl species one would expect in Eastern Canada (except for truely pelagic species - with some exceptions). Most of the warblers normally seen in eastern Canada have been found in the Toronto area. Many rarities have been sighted and reports in Toronto - with hotlines and websites to assist in locating them.
Hamilton is located at the extreme west corner of Lake Ontario. The Hamilton area can be reached via the QEW and Highway 2, west of Toronto and west of Niagara Falls via QEW.
Hamilton is an industrial city with a population of over 500,000 people. Fortunately it has many birding areas on its perimeter. Some of these are Hamilton Harbour, Dundas Marsh (Cootes Paradise), Royal Botanical Gardens, Woodlawn Cemetary, Hamilton Bay, Windemere Basin, and Van Wagner's Beach ... to name a few. These various locations in the Hamilton area offer a variety of habitats - with water, and location on Lake Ontario being a key factor. Maps and directions to these loactions can be found in Clive Goodwin's 'A Bird-finding Guide to Ontario' - starting on page 154.
The Hamiton area birding hotspots contain plenty of marshes, shorelines, sheltered bays, and woodlands. Some of the woodlands are natural - other areas have been enhanced with planted vegitation especially in The Royal Botanical Gardens and Woodlawn Cemetary. The addition of shrubs, trees, flowers, and landscaping has improved the area to the point that it is a bird's paridise. The added protection of the Niagara Escarpment also contributes to the attraction to birds and birders in the area..
The prime types of species to be found in the Hamilton area are basically waders and waterfowl - but many other surprizes are often found. Because of its great habitat, many songbirds breed in the area. The ever changing seasons each bring a different array of species. The fall brings, shorebirds, ducks, gulls and jaegers, migrating passerines, and hawks. Winter harbors huge rafts of Scaup, Scooters, Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and the ocassional Eider. Spring welcomes migrating warblers, waterfowl, shorebirds, and nearby Grimsby (Beamer Conservation Area) hosts a spectacular hawk migration. Summer hosts a wide variety of breeding birds including waterfowl, waders, songbirds, hawks, falcons, owls. Hamilton is one of the areas in Ontario that one can find a great diversity of bird species.Check out the The Hamilton Naturalists' Club for more information. or
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THE BRITANNIA CONSERVATION AREA AND THE OTTAWA RIVERby Bob Bracken and Christina Lewis
For birdwatchers not familiar with the Ottawa area, this 5 kilometer stretch of shoreline and conservation area bordering Lac Des Chenes and the Ottawa River represents, without question, the best year-round birding hotspot in Ottawa.
The following five sites form a corridor of contiguous and heterogenous parkscape, heavily utilized by migratory bird species. All of the areas described are public lands, and access is available all year long.
1. The Britannia Conservation Area (BCA)
This isolated island of "greenspace", located within city limits, can offer incredible bird-watching during migration. Located at a constriction of the Ottawa River (the Des Chenes Rapids), it is an obvious landmark with a great diversity of habitats. The pond (Mud Lake), the mature white pine stand and deciduous woods, and the surrounding urban landscape, all combine to make this a magnet for tired migrants. To date, 248 species of birds have been found in, or seen from, the BCA; this represents 74% of all spp. recorded in the Ottawa-Hull naturalists' area (the 50 kilometer radius from the Peace Tower). Additionally, 52 species are known to have nested here over the years. For a single site less than one square kilometer in area, the BCA has hosted a truly remarkable number and diversity of birds!
The BCA can be reached by taking Pinecrest Road (exit 129) off the Hwy 417. Go north on Pinecrest, then turn right (east) onto Richmond Road. After Richmond crosses Carling Avenue, turn left (north) onto Poulin Avenue. Poulin intersects with Britannia Road. Turning right onto Britannia will take you to Cassels Street. Britannia Road and Cassels Street form the BCA's western and northern boundaries respectively, and a National Capital Commission (NCC) bicycle path borders it to the south. Parking is easy anywhere along Cassels; there are, however, no facilities in the CA.
The Pond (Mud Lake)
Along Cassels, there is a good overview of Mud Lake. Large numbers of ducks stage here in the fall. All of Ottawa's puddle duck species can be seen, and a Eurasian Wigeon returned here for several consecutive years. The pond also attracts herons. Great Blue's are fequently seen along the pond's edge; check the dead trees for Black-crowned Night Herons from mid-summer to early fall. A Little Blue Heron was present in August 1998.The Ridge
On the north side of Cassels, there is an elevated strip of land known as "the ridge". A trail runs along the crest, then follows the shore of the Ottawa River around the grounds of the Filtration Plant. This ridge is one of the best places to start your birding day in spring and fall. Many migrants arrive first thing in the morning, and repeatedly circulate through the BCA in a north-south direction, winding up at the river. Thrushes, vireos, warblers, and sparrows can be well-represented here.The Woods and Fields
A turnstile marks the entrance to a trail at the northwest corner of the pond, which leads to a network of well-used footpaths offering easy access to the many habitats found here.A counter-clockwise tour of the BCA follows:
Upon entering the trail, a path to your right leads to an old field with grassy areas and shrubs, mainly Lonicera (honeysuckle), Rhamnus (buckthorn), and Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac). This is a good area for flycatchers, thrushes and sparrows. The main north-south trail continues south through a hardwood stand of maple, oak and ash. Depending on the date of your visit, look carefully in the honeysuckle thickets bordering the pond for skulkers, including Mourning, Wilson's and Canada Warblers. Connecticut Warbler, a rarity for Ottawa, has been seen twice in this habitat.
The Pines
Further south, you will enter an impressive stand of mature white pine. Wood Duck, Brown Creeper and Pine Warbler nest here. Recently (since 1997 at least), both Merlin and Cooper's Hawk have bred in this area in consecutive years.A path running parallel to the fence marking the western boundary of the CA should also be covered. The east-west trail along the south side of the pond can also be good, but is typically less productive.
Remember, early in the morning, most of the birds move repeatedly back and forth in a north-south direction. Take your time -- on good days after a fallout, a broad variety of songbirds of every family (except Shrike) can be found ANYWHERE along these trails. A total of 34 species of warblers have been found in the BCA, including (rare in Ottawa): Yellow-throated, Prairie, Cerulean, Prothonotary, Worm-eating, Connecticut, and Yellow-breasted Chat.
At this point, you can return to Cassels via one of the alternate north-south trails (as most birders do), or you can continue on this counter-clockwise route by taking the NCC path along the southern edge. You can access (through a turnstile) the fields in the southeastern portion of the BCA to search for scrub-land birds; this approach will also lead to other views of the pond. Further east, again along the bicycle path before the settling ponds, another turnstile near Pinecrest Creek indicates a right-of-way which takes you north through a narrow patch of scrub-land, bordered by a silver maple swamp. This area can be good for thrushes, vireos and warblers.
Britannia Point
At the northeastern tip of the Filtration Plant grounds (known as "Britannia Point"), there is an excellent vantage of the Ottawa River and the base of the Des Chenes Rapids. From late May through June, and again in the fall, this part of the river offers the best gull-viewing in Ottawa, with the possible exception of the Trail Road landfill site. The appearance of several emergent insect species (e.g. mayflies) attracts large numbers of larids. Ring-billed Gull is, of course, abundant, but many Bonaparte's and the odd rarity can be seen. Nineteen of Ottawa's 21 gull and tern species have been sighted here. Both Franklin's and Laughing Gull were seen from "the Point" in May 1996. Other records include Black-headed, Little and Sabine's Gull, Caspian and Forster's Tern, as well as all 3 species of jaegers. Look also for Red-throated Loon, which can be present on the river during October and November.Britannia Point happens to be the only location in southern Ontario where Arctic Tern occurs annually. The best time to see this rare inland migrant is during the last week of May and the first two weeks of June. Typically, more than two are seen at a time, with a high count of 14 on May 29, 1999. Weather is the key factor to success; strong winds and/or mid-day rain seem to be the best conditions -- no guarantees, but when Arctic Terns are discovered, they often linger for more than a day.
The grounds surrounding the Filtration Plant offer yet another good view of the pond. Rarities seen here in the past include Cassin's and Gray Kingbird.
The Rapids
The rapids themselves are best viewed from the Britannia Yacht Club (permission is required from the management). From spring through fall, when the river is low, the rocks can be good for interesting shorebirds. Below the rapids, especially in May, June, and September, good numbers of larids can be seen (see Britannia Point, above). Barrow's Goldeneye is semi-regular here in winter, and there are 3 records of Harlequin Duck. On December 6, 1995, a Thick-billed Murre appeared here briefly (It would no doubt have stayed longer, if it hadn't been taken by a Gyrfalcon).2. Lakeside Gardens
This park-land environment can prove interesting during the autumn months, especially October - November. There is a sand beach (public swimming in summer) and a break-wall extending out some distance into Britannia Bay.
To reach this site, from the BCA, take Britannia Road south and turn right (west) onto Carling. The first street you will encounter is Greenview Avenue. Turning right (north) on Greenview will lead to a large parking lot with public facilities.
Although not generally productive in terms of rarities, Lakeside Gardens offers an excellent vantage of Britannia Bay and Lac Des Chenes. Large numbers of waterfowl, particularly Canada Geese and the common puddle ducks, congregate here in the fall. Look for Snow Goose, Brant, and the rare Greater White-fronted Goose. Scanning the water in late fall can turn up loons and grebes; some of the sea ducks (scoters and Oldsquaw) are easily viewed from here as well.
The beach is a good area for roosting gulls, and whereas not productive for shorebirds, it has been a site for Purple Sandpiper. The break-wall has also attracted Purple's, as well as a Northern Wheatear in October 1995.
3. Scrivens Street
Continuing further west long Carling will bring you to Scrivens Street, at the second traffic light below the hill. Turn right onto Scrivens (there is a Harvey's on the corner), drive to the end, and park near the bicycle path. Please be mindful -- don't park near private lane-ways.
At this location, scan the sand flats that extend west to Andrew Haydon Park and east to the break-wall at Lakeside Gardens. In late summer through early fall, there is an extensive and rich feeding area for shorebirds and puddle ducks. Most of the shorebirds that can be viewed from Andrew Haydon Park can also be seen from this site; a Marbled Godwit spent several days here in June 1998.
Under certain weather conditions, at different times of the day, the birds frequently shift from one location to another. Any visit for shorebird viewing along the Ottawa River in the fall should include a stop here, as you may miss something by checking only the Ottawa Beach end of the flats.
4. Andrew Haydon Park East (Ottawa Beach)
Ottawa Beach is best defined as the narrow riparian zone with extensive emergent marsh vegetation, from east of Graham Creek to a small viewing area surrounded by a split-log blind.
Access is from Carling Avenue, west from site #3, or by taking Richmond Road east or west to Bayshore Drive, then Bayshore north to Carling. Shortly after the Carling/Bayshore intersection, continue west along Carling to a small parkland with play structures and a view of the Ottawa River. The facilities are open until early fall, and parking is available until the first snowfall.
This is, without question, one of the best single locations for shore/water birding in Ottawa, and has been the scene of many rarities. Generally not a productive area in the spring, as the high water levels preclude the emergence of the sand flats, it is nonetheless a good spot to scan for loons, grebes, bay and sea ducks. Under the right conditions, a good assortment of migrant songbirds can be found here in the cottonwoods and the surrounding lowland vegetation.
The water level of the Ottawa River can fluctuate widely throughout the seasons, and is controlled from the Des Chats power dam, located approximately 40 kilometers upstream, just outside of Fitzroy Harbour. Depending on the number of rainfall events, etc., the river may or may not be very low by mid-summer.
Whereas Britannia is a dynamite place to visit in both spring and fall, Ottawa Beach can be fantastic during late summer and the autumn months, for a variety of reasons:
Waterfowl
From September through early December, search for loons and grebes out on the lake; 30 of Ottawa's 35 waterfowl species have been found here. During October-November, many thousands of Canada Geese stage here, and you never know what other surprises you may find with them. Richardson's Goose (the Mallard-sized subspecies) and Greater White-fronted Goose are semi-annual. Snow Geese are typically present, as well as Brant during their brief flight time.Shorebirds
By late summer, the exposed shoreline of Britannia Bay offers a rich feeding and resting area. Of Ottawa's 38 species of shorebirds, 35 have been recorded here. Under ideal conditions (e.g. northwest winds, late summer downpours), these flats can be carpeted with plovers and sandpipers.This is a good place to see American Golden Plover, and during heavy rains in August, numbers of Whimbrel have landed here. A good location for Red Knot (August-September), and during peak flight times (late August-early September) Western Sandpiper can occasionally be discovered among the large numbers of Semipalmateds. Piping Plover, Willet, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and Red Phalarope, have all occurred at Ottawa Beach. A recent rarity for Ottawa was our second record of Spotted Redshank, on August 21, 1998.
Post-breeding Merlins and Peregrine Falcons also frequently use this Ottawa Beach - Scrivens corridor for hunting. Peregrines have been nesting in downtown Ottawa since 1997.
Other specialties
Similarly, if the sandbar is extensive, good numbers of loafing larids gather here, including Iceland, Lesser Black-backed and Glaucous Gulls. Rarities have included Ottawa's second Mew Gull.Although not as productive as Britannia in the fall, a nice assortment of migrant passerines may be encountered at Ottawa Beach. From late September through early October, it would not be unusual to find half a dozen species of sparrows. In 1976, the first modern record of Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow was banded at this site, and since that time, it has been semi-annual. Look for this secretive species by walking through the Spartina pectinata (tall cord grass) and Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) near the sand spit.
NOTE: Rubber boots are a good idea, at any time of year, for exploring Ottawa Beach. Also, if you visit during good (i.e. BAD) weather and see no birds, visit the Scrivens site (#3) and return here later.
5. Andrew Haydon Park West
The remainder of Andrew Haydon Park, located north of the traffic light intersection of Carling and Acres Road, is a manicured parkscape of lawn, with scattered trees and artificial ponds. It has not proved very productive for land birds, but has an expansive view of Lac Des Chenes. From anywhere along the river's edge, scan for loons, grebes and waterfowl in the late fall. Large numbers of immature Ring-billed Gulls also concentrate around the ponds in fall; although no rarities have yet been found among them, this is a good opportunity to check for any potentials.
6. Dick Bell Park
Proceeding still further west on Carling, you will very shortly encounter the Nepean Sailing Club on your right. The sign says Dick Bell Park, and there is public parking.
Again, this is a site to visit in the fall.. A good diversity of loafing gulls can be seen on the docks during November and early December before freeze-up.
Walking along the break-wall to the lighthouse, check the numbers of scaup for interesting Aythya species (Redhead and Canvasback are both scarce in Ottawa), as well as scoters. Picking through the sometimes large rafts of Common Goldeneye requires patience, but you may be rewarded with a Barrow's. Harlequin Duck has been seen here once. Be sure to scan out onto the lake for jaegers and unusual larids (e.g. Black-legged Kittiwake) in October-November.
The reason most birders visit Dick Bell Park late in the fall, is to search for Purple Sandpiper; this is the most consistent location in Ottawa to find that species. In late October through November, during strong northwest winds, check the break-wall carefully. The rocks are large, and these birds have a habit of hiding between them.
ACCESSIBILITY
In addition to being easily accessible by car, all of the above sites are connected by an NCC bicycle path. This path can be used as a conduit for visiting any or all of these sites on two rather than four wheels, or on foot for a full day's outing. All areas, except the BCA trails, are accessible by wheelchair .... Any mode of transportation will do, to cover the best bird-watching strip in Ottawa!
Overnight accommodations are available along Carling Avenue, and there are numerous restaurants nearby, ranging from fast-food to fine dining. Refer to current tourist guides (e.g. the CAA's Ontario Tour Book), and be sure to call the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club Bird Status Line (613 - 860 - 9000) for the most recent bird sightings. The Environment Canada Weather Line (613 - 998 - 3439) provides recorded weather forecasts and frequent updates throughout the day.
Acknowledgements
We wish to thank Bernie Ladouceur for his assistance with statistical information.
From Toronto, there are several routes that take you to Algonquin. One is up highway #11 north, through Orillia, Bracebridge, and Hunstville. Just north of Huntsville is Highway #60 - take this scenic highway 43KM (27 miles) to the gates of Algonquin. There is another more scenic route by taking #401 east of Toronto to #35/115 and north to #35 all the way to Dwight, where it meets up with #60 where you make a right towards the park.From Belleville you can go straight north on #62 till you reach Maynooth, where you continue north on #127 till you reach #60 on the east side of the Park and from there you obviously travel west into the park. Plan to drive for 4 to 6 hours if you are going there from either Toronto or Belleville. Note: you should bring a map along - it can be a tricky and long drive if you make a wrong turn.
Algonquin is one of Ontario's finest and largest natural areas. It is famous for its canoe routes and Boreal species of birds and other animals and plans. Plan to get as much info on Algonquin Provincial Park prior to going there so you can plan an itinerary. There are many trails and sites to see. Maps and Information about the park can be had from Park Superintendant, Algonquin Provincial Park, Ministry of Natural Resources, Whitney, Ontario K0J 2M0
Algonquin Provincial Park consists of coniferous forests, maple hills, rocky ridges, spruce bogs, and thousands of lakes, streams, and ponds.
Because Algonquin lies in the transition zone between southern broadleaf forests and coniferous forests, with an ample supply of water, it supports a mixture of northern boreal species and southern species that breed in the north. Typically birders go to Algonquin for northern species such as finches, Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Gray Jay, and Raven, and Spruce Grouse. Many of the passerines breed in Algonquin during late spring and are seen throughout the summer. Christmas Bird Counts have had about 30 species of birds
Please be a part of this network of interactive websites. Submit your favorite Ontario birding hotspot, using the template provided above, for the benefit of other birders. There are several areas that need to be added, and I need your help and input to do so. I will try to update and expand the content of this area as well, as I find time.
Last updated: Sunday, February 27, 2005
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