NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southwest - Rideau River West Side


BAXTER CONSERVATION AREA

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

         Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 416 (The Veteran's Memorial Highway) take exit 42 (Dilworth Road) and turn northeast on it. Follow Dilworth Road or Regional Road 16 northeast 3.0 km to the 90 degree left at Rideau Valley Drive South. Instead of following the main road to the left, turn right or SSE onto the dirt road leading to the Baxter Conservation Area.
         Rideau River West Side Route Directions: From the mouth of Cranberry Creek, the second portion of the Steven and Cranberry Creek Mouths site, continue south on Rideau Valley Drive South 4.0 km to the 90 degree right turn at Dilworth Road or Regional Road 16. Instead of following the main road to the right, continue straight across onto the dirt road leading to the Baxter Conservation Area.
Map of Baxter Conservation Area
Map of Baxter Conservation Area
         Site Description and Birding Information: Follow the dirt road past the Rideau Valley Soaring School runway for 1.1 km as it winds southwest, then west, to the Patrick J. McManus Conservation Centre. Park there and be prepared to pay the $5 day use fee. There is a wonderful set of well-maintained trails (5 km worth) southwest of the centre. An excellent variety of habitats is accessable, including wetlands, conifer plantations, mixed forest, alder thickets, a wonderful marsh boardwalk over a backwater and a trail alongside the Rideau River. Great during migration. There is a small beach and picnic area and a more open plot with a unique nut grove and solar energy display. The 68 hectare site is open all year. The McManus Centre runs a variety of programs and has information and washrooms.
         Rare birds seen here include: Townsend's Solitaire (Apr. 1, 2006).
Trail at the Baxter Conservation Area
Trail at the Baxter Conservation Area
Marsh at the Baxter Conservation Area
Marsh at the Baxter Conservation Area
        Rideau River West Side Route Directions: From the Baxter Conservation Area, return to the junction of Dilworth Road or Regional Road 16 and Rideau Valley Drive South. Turn left or southwest onto Dilworth Road or Regional Road 16 and proceed 3.7 km southwest to North Gower Road or Regional Road 5 or Fourth Line. Turn left or southeast onto it and follow it 2.0 km to a sharp righthand turn where it becomes Donnelly Road or Regional Road 2. Drive another 2.0 km southwest on Donnelly to the entrance, on the left, of the next site on this route, the Rideau River Provincial Park. Turn left or southeast into the park road.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 29, 2009