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UPPER CANADA MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY

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

        Independent Directions to this Site: The Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary lies around an hour and a half southeast of Ottawa, just under 100 km by the route described below. Take Highway 417 east from Ottawa to exit 79 (Limoges / Crysler) and take County Road 5 southeast 14.4 km to just beyond Crysler, where County Road 5 becomes County Road 12. Continue on 12 southeast for 15.2 km to County Road 14 at Finch. Turn right or south on 14 and go 14.0 km to Highway 2 at Ingleside. Turn right or southwest onto 2 and proceed 4.9 km to Aultsville Road. Turn left or SSW onto it toward Morrison Island and drive 2.2 km to the parking area, on the left, for the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Route Map Ottawa to Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Area
Route Map Ottawa to Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Area
        Site Description and Birding Information: The Intrepretive Centre is just east of the parking lot and is a good place to check into for general information, recent bird sightings and trail maps before birding this site. More than 200 species of birds have been found here. There are over 8 km of trails leading through a good variety of habitat, such as wooded uplands, cropland, marshland, water and pastures specifically for geese. Some trails are kept open for skiing in winter.
Map of the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Area
Map of the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Area
         A highlight of this site is the waterfowl migration, especially the geese. There are often small numbers of Snow Geese among the flocks of Canada Geese there. Sometimes large numbers of Snow Geese move through, as on Mar. 30, 2005, when many skeins, some large, passed. Bald Eagles are sometimes seen passing over, making the geese nervous.
         There are camping sites at the associated park. For history buffs, or birders with "I'm bored with birding" companions, Upper Canada Village lies only 3 km to the west along Highway 2.
Google Maps Satellite Image of Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Area
Google Maps Satellite Image of Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Area
         Rare birds reported from the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary include Golden Eagle (Oct. 17, 1986).
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 25, 2009