CardinalOver 300 species of birds are found along the Ottawa River. About half of these are migratory birds. Situated in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway, the Ottawa River is one of North America’s most important halts for migrating waterfowl, a crucial staging area for many species.

One of the richest habitats for migratory waterfowl is located between Montebello and Gatineau; species that stop here include Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Green-Winged Teal, Blue-Winged Teal, Wood Duck and American Wigeon. This same stretch is known for its abundant population of Canada Geese. Over 300,000 Canada Geese stop here to feed in spring, more than half of the entire Atlantic corridor population. Other migratory birds with stops on the Ottawa include northern species such as Brant Geese, Artic Tern, and Red-Throated Loon (Haxton and Chubbuck). Sand flats provide habitat for the American Golden Plover, Red Knot, Western Sandpiper, Buff-Breasted Sandpiper, Black-Backed and Glaucous Gulls and the rarer Mew Gull. Marshes are home to many waterfowl during their breeding season.

Colonies of Great Blue Heron are also found along the river. Common Mergansers, Harlequin Ducks, Barrow’s Goldeneyes and Common Goldeneyes have been reported to spend the winter in the open waters near rapids and dams. Eleven species of raptor breed in the forests bordering the Ottawa River,including Cooper’s Hawk, Red-Tailed Hawk, Merlin, Bald Eagle and the rare Red-Shouldered Hawk.

Source: The Ottawa River Background Study by the Ottawa River Heritage Designation Committee.