NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southwest - Dunrobin & Carp Ridges


BERRY SIDE ROAD AT CONSTANCE LAKE

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

        Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 138 (Eagleson/March Roads). If travelling west, the 0.6 km offramp dumps you right or north onto March Road. If driving east, a 0.5 km offramp brings you to Eagleson Road, where you will turn left or north onto it to March Road (its northward extension) and in 0.5 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow March Road, or Regional 49, north, then northwest, 8.1 km to to a 90 degree lefthand turn and the junction for Dunrobin Road. Take a right on Dunrobin Road and continue northwest 1.5 km to Kerwin (River) Road. Turn right or northeast onto Kerwin (River) Road. Proceed 3.4 km northeast along Kerwin (River) Road until it becomes 5th Line Road. Continue straight or northwest 0.4 km to Berry Side Road. Turn left or southwest onto it.
        Dunrobin & Carp Ridges Route Directions: From Kerwin (River) Road, when it becomes Fifth Line it is only a further 0.4 km northwest to Berry Side Road. Turn left or southwest down it into the Berry Side Road at Constance Lake site.
Google Satellite Map of Berry Side Road at Constance Lake Area
Google Satellite Map of Berry Side Road at Constance Lake Area

        Site Description and Birding Information: This short (1.3 km) section of road dead-ends near the south end of Constance Lake. At the bottom of the hill the road crosses a marsh. This area is one of the more consistant locations for Whip-poor-will. A colony has used the surrounding area for many years. These birds are much easier to hear than see. During their breeding season, they often call their names all night long. Sometimes, in their exuberance, they ignore the sunrise and call briefly after dawn.
         In the marsh, the usual selection of marsh breeders is present in season. Virginia Rail, Sora and Marsh Wren are all found here. This is one of the better marshes for actually seeing rails; they will sometimes come out to the road side, either to cross or having been enticed by an imitation of their call. A Least Bittern was seen here in May of 2005. In spring migration, flocks of Rusty Blackbirds have been seen here. Watch for Osprey near the lake.
         The section of Berry Side Road northeast of Kerwin (or 5th Line) runs through farmland and has recently had a flock of Wild Turkey foraging in the fields. It was over this section of road the the Black Vulture chose to fly on March 25, 2001.
Berry Side Road, looking northeast
Berry Side Road, looking northeast

        Dunrobin & Carp Ridges Route Directions: From Berry Side Road, return to the 5th Line Road and turn left or northwest. Watch for Eastern Bluebirds in the open areas along 5th Line, usually perched on the utility wires. Watch and listen for Red-shouldered Hawk in the woodland section of this stretch. Proceed 4.0 km to the Thomas Dolan Parkway. Continue straight northwest across the Thomas Dolan Parkway where 5th Line becomes Greenland Road and enter the next site on our loop, the Dunrobin Ridge on Greenland Road area.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 27, 2009