Coastal birding habitat

Ottawa - Shirley's Bay

Ontario · Canada

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

Ottawa - Shirley's Bay is a productive birding destination in Ontario, with 289 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, and Blue Jay among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

6/2/2026Britannia CA--Filtration Plant/Point1 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

6/2/2026Kanata--Didsbury Road Scrape - Carp Watershed Restoration Area1 observed

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

6/2/2026Parc de la Gatineau--Relais Plein Air1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

6/2/2026Britannia CA--Filtration Plant/Point1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

6/2/2026Driveway1 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

6/2/2026Stittsville Backyard1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

6/2/2026Dolman Ridge Road, Ottawa, Ontario, CA (45.407, -75.518)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

36/2/2026

Semipalmated Plover

16/2/2026

Dunlin

16/2/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

116/2/2026

Arctic Tern

16/2/2026

Common Tern

16/2/2026

Common Loon

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

76/2/2026

Great Egret

16/2/2026

Osprey

26/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Brown Thrasher

16/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/2/2026

Song Sparrow

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

26/2/2026

American Redstart

16/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

16/2/2026

Bald Eagle

16/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ottawa - Shirley's Bay for birding?
The best months to visit Ottawa - Shirley's Bay for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ottawa - Shirley's Bay?
Notable species at Ottawa - Shirley's Bay include Mourning Dove, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay, American Crow, Black-capped Chickadee. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ottawa - Shirley's Bay?
Birding at Ottawa - Shirley's Bay is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ottawa - Shirley's Bay?
Ottawa - Shirley's Bay offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.