Where to See Migrating Waterfowl 
East of Ottawa 
Bruce M. Di Labio 
Two of the best waterfowl viewing areas in the spring can 
be found in the southeastern section of the Ottawa District. 
One which is familiar to most people is the area just east of 
Carlsbad Springs known as Bear Brook (Figure I). The other, 
just recently discovered, is the Cobb Lake Creek - Pendleton - 
Riceville area along the eastern edge of the District (Figure 
2). Both locations flood during the spring thaw, and the sur¬ 
rounding fields become attractive to migrating waterfowl. One 
of the factors that determines the amount of flooding is the 
timing of the thaw. As records indicate, no two years are 
alike, and some years flooding is minimal due to lack of snow. 
Carlsbad Springs - Bear Brook 
To get to Bear Brook from Ottawa, follow Highway 4 17 east 
to the Anderson Road exit. Turn left on Anderson Road and con¬ 
tinue north to Russell Road (Regional Road 26). Turn right and 
follow Russell Road through Carlsbad Springs. After travelling 
approximately 3 km east of the town, turn left onto Regional 
Road 31. Travel north for about 2 km to the bridge over Bear 
Brook. To the east, scan for waterfowl. In good years when the 
water is high, thousands of Canada Geese and other waterfowl can 
be observed feeding and resting in the flooded fields. Care¬ 
fully check through the flocks of geese for Snow and Greater 
White-fronted Geese. Depending on the water level, watch for 
diving ducks such as Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup and Hooded 
Mergansers; anything is possible. 
Once satisfied that you have seen everything, continue 
north on Regional Road 31 for 1 km and turn right onto Perrault 
Road. Drive east until you reach Concession 8. Turn right and 
drive up to the bridge. During good years of flooding, both 
sides of the road can be excellent. Again, check through the 
Canada Geese. This section, having more extensive deep water, 
is usually better for diving ducks than along Regional Road 31. 
Table 1 shows my observations during high water levels for the 
past two years. 
Once you have finished scanning over the area, continue 
south on Concession 8 to Russell Road. Turn right to head back 
to Ottawa, or left to the Cobb Lake Creek - Pendleton - Rice¬ 
ville area. 
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