NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Favourite Outlying Sites


ÎLE DU GRAND CALUMET

Spring: ***  Summer: **  Fall: ***  Winter: *

        Independent Directions to this Site: Île du Grand Calumet is about 1.5 hours west of Ottawa by car. Take Highway 417 west, then continue west as it becomes Highway 17. Drive 103 kilometres from Ottawa to the Haley Station turnoff for Highway 653. Turn right or east onto 653 and drive 8.6 km to the Ottawa River bridge to Portage-du-Fort, Quebec. Continue on 653 for a further 2.4 km to its junction with Highways 301 and 303. Turn left or north on 301 and go 8.3 km to Highway 148. Turn left or north onto 148 and proceed 3.5 km to the turnoff to the left or west for Bryson and Île du Grand Calumet. Take this road and in 1.2 km you will be crossing the bridge to Île du Grand Calumet.
Ottawa to Île du Grand Calumet Route Map
Ottawa to Île du Grand Calumet Route Map

Map of the Île du Grand Calumet Area
Map of the Île du Grand Calumet Area

         Site Description and Birding Information: This island situated in the Ottawa River is a favourite birding spot for Outaouais birders. Chemin des Outaouais runs parallel to the eastern branch of the Ottawa River for much of the island's east side. Good marshes exist between the road and the river. The southern and central portions of the island still have some argriculture, while the northern areas are mostly regrowth forest with significant conifer content.
         Breeding birds here include some of our more northerly birds such as Olive-sided Flycatcher, Northern Parula and Blackpoll, Cape May and Canada Warblers. Marshy areas and exposed shore attract waterfowl and shorebirds. In winter, Snowy Owl, Bald Eagle and Great Grey Owl are sometimes visitors.
Marsh near L'Île-du-Grand-Calumet
Marsh near L'Île-du-Grand-Calumet
         Rare birds reported from Île du Grand Calumet include Eurasian Collared Dove (May 25-26, 2004)
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 26, 2009