NeilyWorld  Birding Ottawa - Southwest - Rideau River West Side

         Independent Directions to this Site: From Highway 416 (The Veteran's Memorial Highway) take exit 49 (Roger Stevens Drive) and turn northeast on it. Follow Roger Stevens 2.3 km northeast to Rideau Valley Drive South, then turn right or south onto it toward Kars. Follow Rideau Valley Drive South south 0.8 km through the village of Kars to the the mouth of Steven Creek. Park near the bridge. The mouth of Cranberry Creek is a further 1.2 km south along Rideau Valley Drive South. Again, park near the bridge.

         Rideau River West Side Route Directions: From the Hickman Conservation Area parking spot at the north end of Clingin Lane, return the 0.5 km on Clingin Lane to Upton Road and turn right or southwest on it. Drive 0.2 km southwest on Upton to reach Rideau Valley Drive. Turn left or south onto it. Proceed 1.5 km to Regional Road 6 and turn right or southwest onto it. Go 0.8 km southwest to Rideau Valley Drive South and turn left or SSE onto it. Follow Rideau Valley Drive South south 0.8 km through the village of Kars to the the mouth of Steven Creek. Park near the bridge. The mouth of Cranberry Creek is a further 1.2 km south along Rideau Valley Drive South. Again, park near the bridge.

         Site Description and Birding Information: These two creeks whose mouths are just south of the village of Kars are both cattail lined, slow-moving streams suitable for exploring by canoe or small boat. Waterfowl on migration and marsh birds in summer can be found here. Worth a quick look and listen.

View of Steven Creek Mouth

View of Cranberry Creek Mouth

        Rideau River West Side Route Directions: From the mouth of Cranberry Creek, continue south on Rideau Valley Drive South 4.0 km to the 90 degree right turn at Dilworth Road or Regional Road 16. Instead of following the main road to the right, continue straight across onto the dirt road leading to the next site on this route, the Baxter Conservation Area.