NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southwest

         This loop route is made up of sites that are mostly within the "greenbelt" southwest of the city core areas. Most of these sites are owned and maintained by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and there are many hiking trails through these areas. Additional locations to the south of the greenbelt are included to create an excellent birding tour in any season. The star sites of this loop route are the Nepean Dump and adjacent Moodie Drive Quarry Ponds sites, for late fall - early winter gulling, waterfowl and many rarities. And in the Stony Swamp greenbelt areas, the Jack Pine Trail is probably the best for marsh, conifer and winter birds. The Shea, Aikens and Rushmore Roads areas north of Richmond are excellent for Snowy Owls, Gray Partridge and other field birds.