RIDDELL ROAD
Spring: *** Summer: ** Fall: ** Winter: ****
Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 138 (Eagleson/March Roads). If travelling west, the 0.6 km offramp sends you right or north onto March Road. If driving east, a 0.4 km offramp brings you to Eagleson Road, where you will turn left or north onto it and in 0.5 km join the westbound offramp traffic on March Road (it changed names as you went under the overpass). Both groups will now follow March Road northwest 8.0 km to Dunrobin Road. Turn right or north onto Dunrobin and go 0.2 km to Riddell Road on the right.
Ottawa River West: Ontario Route Directions: From the end of the line (4th, that is) on the March Valley (Fourth Line) - Klondike excursion, at the northwestern end of March Valley (Fourth Line) Road you are facing a T-junction at Riddell Road.
Map of the Riddell Road area
Site Description and Birding Information: This stretch of road and forest, combined with the nearby River Road site in the Dunrobin & Carp Ridges loop, constitutes one of the Ottawa areas best spots for birds with northern coniferous forest affinities. Birds such as Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Gray Jay and Boreal Chickadee are found here most winters. Northern finches are attracted to the conifers in years or months when they are present.
Watch the edges of the many marshes or ponds along the road for trees that have been freshly debarked and listen for slow, patient tapping. For hints on identifying trees with fresh woodpecker workings click here.
Riddell Road Looking West
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Marsh along Riddell Road
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To reach an old road, now a trail, that extends eventually to River Road, go 0.9 km northwest of Fourth Line Road. Watch for it on the northwest or left side. There is just room to park on the shoulder in front of the trail, but it slopes sharply and opening your door may be difficult. Follow the trail through the conifer section, listening for woodpeckers tapping. Usually there are some reasonable close to the trail, but it's surprising how far away you can hear them. Woodpeckers generally, and the northern ones specifically, are not greatly disturbed by people. So just quietly approach the tapping sounds until you are under them. Then circle the tree until you see the bird. If you fail to see it, try again. He may be circling too.
Old Access Road off Riddell Road
Ottawa River West: Ontario Route Directions: From the northeastern end of Riddell Road, turn right or southeast at Sixth Line Road into the next site, Innes Point.
Return to Ottawa River West: Ontario.
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