NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southeast - Rideau River East Side


HOG'S BACK PARK

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

         Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 121A (Bronson Avenue). Go SSE on Bronson for 3.6 km, crossing the Rideau River on the Dunbar Bridge and going over Riverside Drive, before bearing right to take the Brookfield Road exit. In 0.1 km merge right onto Brookfield Road and drive 0.8 km to the turnoff on the right for parking at Hog's Back Park. Pay parking is in effect in the warm months.
         Rideau River East Side Route Directions: From Vincent Massey Park parking area, return to Heron Road. To do this requires following the signs carefully. You must drive west from the parking lots 0.3 km, follow the road as it makes a U-turn under Heron Road, and proceed another 0.3 km to the reach Heron Road going east. Drive east on Heron for 0.3 km to Riverside Drive and turn right or south onto it. Go south 0.4 km to Hog's Back Road and turn right or west onto it. Proceed 0.5 km to the turnoff on the right for parking at Hog's Back Park. Pay parking is in effect in the warm months.
Map of Hog's Back Park
Map of Hog's Back Park
         Site Description and Birding Information: This beautiful park, at the split between the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, is more well-known for its waterfall than its birds. Especially in summer is subject to enormous people pressure. A paved bikepath goes north through the park 0.6 km to reach Vincent Massey Park directly adjacent. Various other trails criss-cross this park, which is used by many, many non-birders for picnics, sports, dog-walking, etc.
View of Hog's Back Park
View of Hog's Back Park

         Watch at the base of the falls for fishing herons, mostly Great Blue Herons, but the chance of Black-crowned Night Heron in late summer - early fall. The trails pass through woodlands and along the river and are great for migrant passerines. Fortunately, spring and fall migrations do not coincide with the busiest non-birding usage of the park in the heat of summer. This park, like many local parks, has a year round flock of Black-capped Chickadees and the odd nuthatch that will allow hand feeding. Children and many adults love these friendly, trusting creatures.
Black-crowned Night Heron at the base of Hog's Back Falls - Sep. 5, 2007
Black-crowned Night Heron at the base of Hog's Back Falls - Sep. 5, 2007
Hand-feeding Black-capped Chickadees at Hog's Back Park - Sep. 5, 2007
Hand-feeding Black-capped Chickadees at Hog's Back Park - Sep. 5, 2007

        Rideau River East Side Route Directions: From Hog's Back Park parking area, return to Hog's Back Road. Turn left or east on it and return 0.3 km to Riverside Drive. Turn right or south onto it and go south 0.6 km to Ridgewood Avenue. Turn right or west here into the parking area for the next site on this route, the Mooney's Bay.
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009     Larry E. Neily
Last update:  October 28, 2009