NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southeast - Eastern Sewage Lagoons Route


RUSSELL SEWAGE LAGOONS

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

        Warning: Sewage lagoons generally do not welcome visitors. Liability insurance is behind much of their reluctance. In the past, they have often made an exception for birders. For some lagoons, the OFNC and/or independent birdwatchers have arranged special access with the operators or wardens. Contact the OFNC to find the current arrangements, if any. Some lagoons are partly visible without crossing the fences, though because of the brem construction, many are not visible from the road. Lagoons are generally not heavily patrolled or impassibly fenced, and when trespassers are unwelcome they are usually just asked to leave; so many birders assume the "No Tresspassing" signs are for someone else (especially given past tolerance). Once in a while, especially in hunting season, hunters make the same assumption. They are less welcome than birders though and are often reported by the locals. After one of these incidents, patrols may be more frequent. The rules seem to change as often as the folks assigned to enforce them; some are more tolerant than others (some are downright helpful). Use courtesy and common sense. And when you park near a sewage lagoon, please don't block the access roads. Even without crossing the fences, a patient and competent birder can see many species as they fly into and out of the lagoons.
         Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 96 (Boundary Road). Proceed 11.8 km SSE on Boundary Road (Regional 41) to Regional 3 or Craig Street. Turn left or east onto it and drive 3.0 km to Concession Street / South Russell Road (still Reg 3). Turn right or SSE on it and after 0.3 km turn left or ENE onto Castor Street (still Reg 3). Drive 1.3 km to Wade / Eadie Roads on the east edge of Russell. Turn right or SSE on Wade Road and go 0.9 km to the road on the left to the Russell Sewage Lagoon.
         Eastern Sewage Lagoons Route Route Directions: From the Chesterville Sewage Lagoons return about a kilometre west to River Street. Turn left or west on it and go 0.4 km to Main Street North or County Road 7. Turn left or northwest and follow County Road 7 for 12.2 km to where it makes a 90 degree left turn at the Marionville Road. Follow CR 7 to the left or southwest for 1.4 km to County Road 6 or South Russell Road. Turn right or NNW onto it and drive 4.1 km to Route 400. Turn right or northeast onto Route 400 and go 1.4 km to Wade Road. Turn left or NNW on Wade and proceed 2.5 km to the road on the right to the next site on this loop, the Russell Sewage Lagoons.
Map of Russell Sewage Lagoons area
Map of Russell Sewage Lagoons area
         Site Description and Birding Information: Assuming appropriate permissions have been acquired, park near the end of the entry roadway, which is gated, and walk the 600 metres to the ponds of the Russell Sewage Lagoons.
         All the regular species of shorebirds which pass through the Ottawa area have been seen here. Less common species are sometimes seen, including White-rumped and Stilt Sandpiper, and Red-necked, Red and Wilson's Phalarope. Keep a eye out for flight activity by the shorebird flocks, indicating that they may have spotted a threat. Such threats may be a predator. For instance, on October 20, 2002 an immature Golden Eagle was seen soaring overhead. Watch also for migrating swallows, waterfowl and gulls. Ruddy Duck, Snow Goose, Lesser Scaup and White-winged Scoter are among the less common waterfowl to have been seen here. The surrounding area may host a number of raptors, including Northern Harrier and Red-tailed and Rough-legged Hawks. A rare Yellow-headed Blackbird (male) spent a few days here from May 29 to June 2, 1988. A Eurasian Wigeon was found there on May 28, 2011.
Red-necked Phalarope
Red-necked Phalarope
         Eastern Sewage Lagoons Route Route Directions: From the Russell Sewage Lagoons return to Wade Road and turn right or NNW on it and return 0.9 km to Castor Street or Regional 3. Turn right or ENE on Castor and proceed 2.8 km to County Road 28 or St-Guillaume Road. Turn left or NNW onto it and go 3.7 km to Route 200. Turn right or ENE onto it and park along the roadside opposite the ponds to the south (on your right). A pair of signs mark the next site on this loop, the Dignard Constructed Wetland ponds.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2011     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  June 3, 2011