NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southwest - Marlborough Forest Loop


BLEEKS ROAD

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

        Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 416 take exit 66 (Fallowfield Road). If southbound, a 0.4 km offramp dumps onto Fallowfield, where you will turn right or west. If northbound, the 0.4 km offramp brings you to Fallowfield, where you will turn left or west onto it and in 0.5 km join the southbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Fallowfield Road west 16.5 km to reach Munster Road. Turn left or southeast onto Munster Road and drive 2.7 km, to the centre of the town of Munster at Bleeks Road. Turn left or northeast on it and go far enough to get out of the town (around 0.5 km). Here you can begin birding Bleeks Road.
        Marlborough Forest Loop Route Directions: From the pulloff for the Munster Sewage Lagoons, continue northwest on Munster Road 1.1 km to Bleeks Road. Turn right or northeast on it and go far enough to get out of the town of Munster (around 0.5 km). Here you can begin birding Bleeks Road.
Map of the Bleeks Road Area
Map of the Bleeks Road Area

         Site Description and Birding Information: In early spring, say March and April, many birders indulge in noctural hunts for owls. This 3.7 km stretch of Bleeks Road, to the end of the road, is one of the favourite local spots for this. Great Horned, Barred and Long-eared Owls have all been found, or at least heard, along this road. Just northeast of the town of Munster the road passes through extensive cedar stands, through which a stream flows at the bottom of the hill. Stop along the road every so often to listen, especially in those areas marked on the map above.
View along Bleeks Road just Northeast of Munster
View along Bleeks Road just Northeast of Munster

         Continue beyond Conley Road for more excellent owling spots along the deadend extension of Bleeks Road. It is wooded on both sides not far from Conley and again near its end (about a kilometre from Conley). It is a very reliable spot for Barred Owl. A skillful imitation of its call will often bring one or more birds to the roadside to investigate.
View along Bleeks Road just Northeast of Conley Road
View along Bleeks Road just Northeast of Conley Road

        Marlborough Forest Loop Route Directions: From the deadend of Bleeks Road, return the kilometre or so to Conley Road. Turn left or southeast onto the next site on this loop, Conley Road.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 27, 2009