As spring approaches, fans of feathered friends rejoice: Rideau Lakes is perfectly poised for fabulous birdwatching.

Birdwatching is a natural pastime in Rideau Lakes as the township has an abundance of public wild areas with an incredible variety of habitat for birds. Even roadside birding often yields sightings of everything from hawks to owls, and from buntings to bluebirds.

The region is known as being great for crossing some species off your lifetime list because of its location in the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, situated along migration routes with the right ratio of rock outcroppings, lakes, islands, fields, and lush greenery. All that adds up to attract an abundance of avian species to Rideau Lakes and surrounding area; even some endangered birds make haven here.

So, grab your binoculars, field guide and camera to discover unique spring birding in Rideau Lakes!

Along the Rideau

The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a spectacular draw for waterfowl throughout all seasons - but especially during migration. From Bald Eagles to Osprey, to many species of ducks, herons, and even loons, the connecting lakes and islands provide the right balance of water, land and food to make the Rideau Canal a veritable channel for migrating birds. Watch water birds from land at the six lock stations within Rideau Lakes, or from Sand Lake Park, Morton Bay, Hanna Park, the new Millstream Park in Delta, as well as lakes and wetlands along the Cataraqui Trail and natural spaces like Foley Mountain Conservation Area and Mill Pond Conservation Area. Later this spring when the water warms, traverse the canal by boat, kayak or SUP to and get up close and personal with some unique species! Until then, keep an eye out for swans each spring, as they love the open water at Chaffey’s Lock by the mill, as well as at Narrows Lock.

Rideau Lakes Birding Group

If you’re looking to learn more, join the Rideau Lakes Birding Group. This active crew gets together throughout the year to enjoy a morning of bird watching, as well as discovering local species and landscapes. The Rideau Lakes Birding Group has been meeting for more than a decade and welcomes new members of all levels of birding, from beginner to expert. The group typically meets up at one location to start the morning, enjoys a refreshment break mid-morning at a local restaurant before resuming birding again until noon. Find out how to get involved!

Bird species

This region is a vital habitat for many bird species, including some species at risk, as listed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Red-tailed hawks, Eastern Whip-poor-will, red-winged blackbirds, ruffed grouse, sandhill cranes, warblers, vireos, phoebes, pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, chimney swifts, mergansers, Eastern meadowlarks and so many more birds call the Rideau Lakes home.

 

 

Queen’s University Biological Station

The Queen’s University Biological Station is one of the premier scientific field stations in the country. This precious ecological resource is known as a natural hotspot for birds, plants, and other wildlife. It consists of 3,400 hectares amidst the dense forests and countless lakes making up the Canadian Shield country in Rideau Lakes and north of Kingston, where members of Queen’s University have been performing scientific work for more than 80 years. Recent species lists from QUBS indicate that the property harbours more than 220 species of birds, including documented breeders, winter residents, migrants, accidentals and more. Watch for the QUBS annual open house coming up on June 23, 2024 from noon to 3 p.m. showcasing current research, activities, stewardship, teaching and outreach!

 

Rideau Lakes parks

Get close to the water at Hanna Park, the docks in Portland, Lower Beverley Lake Park when it opens for the season and Westport Lions Beach! If you’re hitting local parks, be sure to walk the trail at Newboro Memorial Park, a short jaunt through the woods in a secluded spot in this bustling community. Chickadees, cardinals, blue jays, nuthatches and more have been known to nestle in the branches of trees here. Make a day of it and stop for artisanal cheeses, a fabulous charcuterie and specialty coffee at The Stagecoach Fine Foods and Bistro. Take in the charming village and be sure to stop for some shopping at Kilborn’s On the Rideau before venturing down a picturesque street to the Newboro Lock Station to stroll the quiet locks before they open for the summer. You might even see some migrating waterfowl! Marvel at one of only four blockhouses built for the defence of the Rideau Canal as you walk by. Check out the historical walking tour of Newboro, heritage plaques and storyboards to get the full experience of this community which is known as an angler’s paradise.

Rent a cottage for a birding home base

Take it easy and try birding from a cottage in Rideau Lakes for the ultimate weekend adventure. From rustic cabins nestled in the woods to beautiful four-season retreats, these private places make for easy bird watching off of the deck or dock. Imagine sipping your morning coffee and watching woodpeckers feasting on feeders outside! Cottages like Upper Narrows Retreat offer private place to relax and explore, with wonderful bird watching, hiking, tennis court, and open-concept comfortable getaway that you’ll want to visit again and again. Or try Indian Lake B&B for an exclusive cottage experience with no detail spared!

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, take in the unspoiled natural scenery in Rideau Lakes and give bird watching a try!