NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Northwest - Gatineau River West


SABOURIN MARSH

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

        Endangered Site: Sabourin Marsh sits directly in the path of the proposed extension of Boulevard de la Carrière, which means to join it to Boulevard des Hautes-Plaines. Hopefully the road will be placed so as to minimize the damage. But go through it likely will. And degrade this productive site it likely will.
        Independent Directions to this Site: Going north on Autoroute de la Gatineau or Highway 5 take exit 5 for Boulevard St-Joseph. Follow the exit ramp north 0.2 km to St-Joseph. Turn right or north onto it and proceed 0.5 km to Rue Jean-Proulx. Turn left or west and drive 0.7 km to the Sporthèque de Hull at 72 Jean-Proulx, on the right or north. Go around behind and park at the back of the spacous lot adjacent the Sabourin Marsh.
        Gatineau River West Route Directions: From the parking areas at the Lac Leamy Ecological Park (West) site return the 0.3 km on Chemin du Lac-Leamy to Boulevard de la Carrière. Turn right or NNW onto it and proceed 1.7 km to where it becomes Rue Jean-Proulx. Follow Jean-Proulx west an additional 0.7 km to the Sporthèque de Hull at 72 Jean-Proulx, on the right or north. Go around behind and park at the back of the spacous lot adjacent the Sabourin Marsh.
Bing Satellite Map of the Sabourin Marsh Area
Bing Satellite Map of the Sabourin Marsh Area

        Site Description and Birding Information: This marsh, running between Boulevard St-Joseph and the railway tracks 0.5 km to the west, can be easily accessed from the bike path that skirts it. The marsh has attracted many good birds over the years in migration and has Virginia Rail, Sora and Common Moorhen breeding in the summer. Least Bittern was seen here in June 2009. Shorebird habitat, rare on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River, occurs here some years and attracts good variety for its limited size. Such birds as Stilt and Baird's Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitcher and Red-necked Phalarope have been seen here. Alternate views might be had from parking lots along Chemin Freeman, to the north of the marsh.
         Rare birds reported from Sabourin Marsh include Western Sandpiper (May 18, 2004), Great Gray Owl (Jan. 29, 2005), Great Egret (Aug. 17-18, 2005 - 4 birds; Apr. 15 - 17, 2006).
Bing Bird's Eye View of the Sabourin Marsh
Bing Bird's Eye View of the Sabourin Marsh
        Gatineau River West Route Directions: From the Sabourin Marsh site return to Rue Jean-Proulx. Turn left or southwest and drive 0.7 km to Boulevard St-Joseph. Turn left or north on it and proceed x.x km to the next site on this route, Chelsea.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  November 16, 2009