Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is home to many beautiful trails that allow visitors to enjoy nature and see wildlife. One popular activity along the trails is birdwatching and bird feeding. There are a few key trails in Ottawa that are best for observing birds and offering them food.
The Rideau Canal Western Pathway
One of the top spots in Ottawa for birding is along the Rideau Canal Western Pathway. This scenic trail runs along the Rideau Canal which cuts through the heart of the city. It connects to other urban pathways and green spaces. Since it is located right in the city center, it is easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
The Rideau Canal Western Pathway has many natural areas, open green spaces, and waterfront views that attract a variety of bird species. Some birds that are commonly seen include mallard ducks, Canada geese, common mergansers, belted kingfishers, song sparrows, American goldfinches, and downy woodpeckers. There are also occasional sightings of less common species like the great blue heron.
The best areas to spot birds are near Dow’s Lake and the locks between Carleton University and Bronson Avenue. These spots tend to have more vegetation and food sources for birds. Bring some birdseed or corn to spread along the ground or water’s edge to attract them for easy viewing and photographs.
Best Time to Visit
Spring is an excellent time to see migratory birds moving through the Rideau Canal area. The fall migration also brings many species to the trail. Winter provides sightings of hardy year-round birds and gives unique viewing opportunities when the canal freezes over. Expect fewer birds in the heat of summer.
Amenities
As a popular recreational trail, the Rideau Canal Western Pathway has many amenities for visitors. There are regular access points, parking areas, benches, trash receptacles, washrooms, and drinking fountains along the length of the trail. Interpretive panels provide information about the history, ecology, and birds of the area.
Jack Pine Trail
For bird watchers looking to escape the city, Jack Pine Trail in the Stony Swamp Conservation Area is a top choice. This peaceful trail winds through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows about 20 minutes south of downtown Ottawa.
Some species spotted regularly around Jack Pine Trail include black-capped chickadees, northern cardinals, blue jays, tree swallows, cedar waxwings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and pileated woodpeckers. The wetland areas host green herons, belted kingfishers, and common yellowthroats.
Jack Pine Trail has diverse habitats with many natural food sources to attract birds. Bring a bag of mixed birdseed or suet cakes to supplement their diet and draw them closer for observing and photographing.
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings in May and June are ideal for catching migratory songbirds along the trail after their long journeys. Year-round residents like chickadees and woodpeckers can be seen any time of day. Be prepared to spot ducks, geese, and other waterfowl in the wetlands during their spring and fall migrations.
Amenities
Jack Pine Trail is 2.5 kilometers long. It has a mostly flat and gravel surface, making it accessible for all visitors. As part of the Stony Swamp Conservation Area, it has parking, washrooms, information kiosks, benches, and garbage cans available.
Mud Lake Trail
Mud Lake is a large wetland area in Britannia Conservation Area, northwest of downtown Ottawa. The Mud Lake Trail loop encircles the lake and provides excellent bird watching opportunities. The diverse habitats around the lake attract many species.
Expect to see red-winged blackbirds, marsh wrens, tree swallows, and other songbirds in the bushes and grasses. Scan the lake for sightings of mallard ducks, Canada geese, and great blue herons. Keep an eye on the skies for bald eagles, turkey vultures, and belted kingfishers as well.
Bring some duck feed, cracked corn, or birdseed to spread along the water’s edge or trail to bring the birds closer. But be careful not to overly disrupt their natural food sources.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are lively times to see migratory waterfowl and songbirds stop at Mud Lake. Mid-summer offers the chance to see young birds and active nests. Winter provides unique views of the frozen-over lake and hardy resident birds.
Amenities
Mud Lake Trail is approximately 4 kilometers long. It is mostly flat and gravel-covered. As part of Britannia Conservation Area, it has parking lots, washrooms, drinking water, benches, and information signs available. Sections of the trail can flood after heavy rains.
Shirley’s Bay Trail
Shirley’s Bay is a regional environmentally sensitive area about 20 minutes from downtown Ottawa. The shoreline trail here provides excellent opportunities to see waterfowl and songbirds.
The wooded areas attract black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, yellow warblers, and eastern wood-pewees. Search the bay waters for sightings of buffleheads, canvasbacks, scaups, and other diving duck species. Watch for nesting pairs of mute swans in the wetland areas.
Bring some frozen peas, corn, rice, or birdseed to spread along the water’s edge and attract birds for closer viewing. Remember to be respectful of the protected natural habitat as you feed them.
Best Time to Visit
Spring migration in April and May is an exciting time as many species return and start nesting. Fall migration beginning in September offers similar diversity of birds stopping at the bay during their long journeys. Peak times are early morning and near sunset.
Amenities
Shirley’s Bay Trail is about 4 kilometers long following the shoreline. It is mostly level and gravel-covered. There is a parking lot, information kiosks, benches, and port-a-potties. Sections nearest the water can be muddy.
Petrie Island
Petrie Island Park is a large open space along the Ottawa River about 20 minutes east of downtown. It has a mix of wetlands, forests, and meadows that attract many bird species.
Scan the marshes and ponds for green-winged teal, pied-billed grebes, and other waterfowl. Search the treetops and fields for eastern bluebirds, cedar waxwings, barn swallows, and red-tailed hawks. Bring some birdseed or corn to spread around to bring them in closer.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are important migration times when the park sees the most diversity of birds. Nesting season in summer offers sightings of young birds being fed. Winter has excellent eagle viewing when they gather to fish.
Amenities
Petrie Island has 8 kilometers of trails to explore. Main trails are gravel and flat, while some secondary trails can be grassy, hilly, and muddy. There are parking lots, washrooms, picnic shelters, and information available on site.
Constance Bay
Constance Bay at the northwest edge of Ottawa provides excellent bird watching along the Ottawa River. The bay and surrounding woods host many migratory waterfowl and perching birds.
Spot trumpeter swans, canvasbacks, American wigeons, and other waterfowl species on the river. Check the treetops and fields for Baltimore orioles, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, and more. Bring seed or suet cakes to attract forest birds to the tree edges.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall migrations make for very active birding. Forest birds nest in summer providing sightings of young. The river stays open in winter allowing viewing of ducks and geese floating in the bay out of the wind.
Amenities
Trails at Constance Bay are part of the larger Torbolton Forest network. They wind through woods and along the shoreline. Main trails are gravel and flat, while secondary ones can be narrow and muddy after rains. There are no major facilities, so prepare accordingly.
Conclusion
Ottawa provides many excellent trails and natural spaces for finding birds throughout the seasons. The Rideau Canal, Jack Pine, Mud Lake, Shirley’s Bay, Petrie Island, and Constance Bay allow you to spot waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. Bring some birdseed, corn, or other food to attract them for closer viewing. Get out early in the morning or near sunset for the best diversity. With many different habitats so close to town, bird watchers will find terrific birding right in Ottawa’s backyard.
