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

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

7/16/2026Cottage2 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/16/2026Ottawa--Andrew Haydon Park1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/16/2026Ottawa--Andrew Haydon Park1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/16/2026Ottawa--Rockcliffe Airport Woods1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

7/16/2026Parc de la Gatineau--étang du stationnement P81 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/16/2026Ottawa - Innovation Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/16/2026

Mallard

27/16/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/16/2026

Hooded Merganser

17/16/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/16/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/16/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/16/2026

Song Sparrow

27/16/2026

Killdeer

37/15/2026

American Herring Gull

17/15/2026

Caspian Tern

17/15/2026

Great Egret

27/15/2026

Osprey

37/15/2026

Bald Eagle

17/15/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

17/15/2026

Northern Flicker

17/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

17/15/2026

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.